To the People of Montgomery County:
The severe devastation that Montgomery County has faced over these past few days is unlike any we have ever experienced. It has made an impression on my family, my fellow supervisors and I that will never fade. I know that you have been affected too – whether directly or through family and friends – in ways we can only begin to comprehend.
During this time of suffering and need, we must remember that our most powerful resource is each other and the importance of working together with one common goal of safety and well-being. We are all suffering, whether with the loss of our homes, possessions and livelihoods or with the challenge to us as a community.
There are few words that I can say to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has helped in so many ways as Montgomery County begins to recover from this crippling blow. The outpouring of assistance from you and from people we do not even know, who have come from around the state, humbles me. I thank each and every one of you and only regret that I cannot do it personally.
If you can offer your assistance in some way, please step forward to lend a helping hand to neighbors who need you. All of us can help in some way. Some can donate money, some can pick up a few extra cans of food or a package of socks during a shopping trip, and some can find gently worn clothing in the back of a closet or drawer that could be put to much better use. Some can help simply by being a sympathetic shoulder. There are as many ways to help, as there are needs to be filled, and I am calling upon each and every one of you.
Many of you have already reached out to me and asked how you can help. The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce has offered to spearhead this effort. If you would like additional information regarding the relief efforts and how you can help please contact the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce at 842-8200.
When I became Chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors in January, I challenged my colleagues to lace up their sneakers and get off to a running start. I asked them to run along side of me with a vision of success at the end of the race. As with most races you have to clear all the hurdles. Well, we just stumbled over a big one.
I now ask you to join me in this race to recovery. Please, do not to give up and call it quits. It will take more to knock out the people of Montgomery County. For those who are considering closing their businesses or leaving their homes, give us a chance to help you rebuild. We cannot do it alone, we need help. I can only promise that my colleagues and I, not divided but united, will reach out for every resource available to assist you. Reach out to us, just as we reach out to you.
We will get through this. We are fortunate to live in such a compassionate community. Let us all keep the victims of this disaster close in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Thomas L. Quackenbush
Chairman
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(Montgomery County Home: http://www.co.montgomery.ny.us/)