President Barack Obama's visit to New Orleans Thursday was criticized even before Air Force One landed. Critics complained his visit just wasn't long enough, but the President told a packed town hall meeting on the lakefront that his administration has sent more Cabinet members to this region than almost anywhere in the country and that they remain committed to the region's recovery.
"We will not forget about New Orleans. We are going to keep on working," said Obama.
During his first trip to New Orleans as President, he told the 1,500 ticketed guests at UNO the federal government will rebuild this region, and he pledged, they'll make it stronger. He said, "we've freed up over $1.5 billion in recovery and rebuilding assistance that had been tangled up in red tape for years." The President said the recent Recovery Act has helped pave the way to rebuild and improve schools, repair roads and bridges, invest in public health and safety.
"To help fight crime, we're helping to hire cops and rebuild jails," said Obama.
When it comes to housing, the President addressed HANO specifically. He said, "we're tackling the corruption and inefficiencies that plagued new orleans housing authority for years."
The President said his administration remains committed to building a new VA Medical Center in New Orleans and promised healthcare reform for all Americans by the end of the year.
For all the work that is happening in the city, more than 200 miles of repaired levees and floodwalls, he said, "we are working to strengthen the wetlands and barrier islands that are the first line of defense for the gulf coast."
Many people in the crowd had an opportunity to ask the President specific questions.
Gabriel Bornay asked, "we've been without a full-service public hospital for the last four years because FEMA is offering $350 million less than the true damage costs incurred, why?"
The President answered, "here's the good news on Charity Hospital, I know the state has agreed to go through an arbitration process that Sen. Mary Landrieu helped set up that is designed to cut through and avoid a long, tangled mess, so that we can actually start rebuilding and providing services."
He was questioned about issues ranging from domestic violence and environmental policies to immigration and social security.
In addition to rebuilding and recovery, the President said his administration is focused on preparedness and response so that history --a disaster like Katrina-- doesn't repeat itself. The President said across the country, his administration is improving coordination among agencies and modernizing communications.
