Jackson board focusing on city's recovery

Jackson alderman David Reiminger says he got into city government to serve the people.

Since Tuesday night, the people have been serving him.

"It's been a humbling experience," he said, his voice breaking over the telephone.

His son, Todd, lost his home to Tuesday night's tornado.

The elder Reiminger says hundreds of people have come to the aid of his family, donating food, drinks and labor.

"It's just incredible," he said. "I know why I'm a city alderman now. I like putting things back into the community, but Jackson has just blown me away this time."

Tonight, he'll resume his role as community leader.

The agenda for tonight's meeting is filled with run-of-the-mill business: Voluntary annexations, zoning issues and water well decisions are on the docket.

But the recovery efforts of the city will be the primary focus.

"I guess mostly what I want to know is the status of the electrical distribution system," Reiminger said. "I want to know how many crews came in from other cities. One thing that concerns me is the integrity of our water towers. I'd like to see that they get inspected. Those are my main concerns."

Mayor Paul Sander said he wants to find out more details of how much damage was done in financial terms, though he didn't know if those figures would be available by tonight. The city will have to replace countless telephone poles and wires. He said he also wants to find out what federal and state assistance will be available and make sure the people affected by the tornado are getting the assistance needed to carry on their lives.

Several of the aldermen complimented the city employees for their work.

Reiminger and alderman Larry Cunningham were attending a city-related meeting with city staff leaders -- including city administrator Jim Roach, director of electric utilities Don Schuette and other city utility management personnel -- in Arkansas when the tornado hit Jackson.

They said they were impressed with how quickly they were kept abreast of the situation.

"Within 15 minutes of the tornado Don Schuette had a list of the status of the buildings damaged," Reiminger said. "He was on top of things so fast it was unbelievable."

Cunningham said it was like "we had a command center of our own on four wheels. They were talking to power plant workers, trying to get generators started. I was just super impressed."

Alderman Phil Penzel said he was impressed with fire chief Brad Golden, Schuette and was especially proud of new police chief James Humphreys -- just promoted on the Friday before the tornado hit.

"I was impressed with how cool he is and how quick he is with decisions," Penzel said. "I'd probably be a Tasmanian devil. He was just cool. Our city should be proud."

bmiller@semissourian.com

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