Cohen Stunned by Katrina's Devastation, Proud of Local Leaders

Five months after Hurricane Katrina floods ravaged New Orleans, CWA President Larry Cohen and District 3 Vice President Noah Savant toured the area Feb. 9, and found few signs of restoration.

"Miles and miles of whole neighborhoods not only remain devastated but they show no sign of rehabilitation whatsoever," Cohen said. "Our local leaders feel strongly that the upcoming mayoral election should, in part, be a referendum on the future of the city and a vision for change."

The tour, arranged by Local 3410 President Michael Fahrenholt, came during a visit in which Cohen and Savant met with local presidents in Louisiana to discuss CWA's "Ready for the Future" agenda.

"It was wonderful to be with the Louisiana local leaders, many representing members in other cities who had similar devastation, and yet our leaders focused on the future of their communities and of our union," Cohen said. "These locals are very much united and are ready to develop organizing and political plans for change, as well as day-to-day representation."

Cohen said he was also impressed by the high level of membership in a so-called "right-to-work" state, including two large Cingular service centers in Lafayette and Baton Rouge. Both boast more than 90 percent membership.

"This short visit to New Orleans proves to me that CWA members and leaders are truly amazing," he said, adding that the local presidents expressed many thanks "for the help from the CWA Disaster Relief Fund and from locals and members around the country in the wake of the Katrina disaster."