[Marya Zaleska]

I'm from the greater New Orleans area.

I actually was here in the suburbs for Hurricane Katrina. I was staying with a friend's sister at an apartment building in Metairie.

Fortunately I had very little damage and was able to return in about 4 weeks.

You know that you are in this area when you still see parts of town in rambles, empty homes with weeds as high as the roof. Also many business that were landmarks have not opened or may not reopen.

Pres. Bush comes down here alot and promises alot, but we never get what we entirely need. If the levees broke in Iraq, the funds would be sent immediately.

Then you have Sen. Craig from Idaho ( who recently resigned because of a sex scandal in an airport restroom) was definitley against our area.

Former Speaker Of the House Hastart stated that since our area was below sea level we should not rebuild. The Neterlands are under sea level and they have the means to protect their citizens.

Sen Ted Stevens of Alaska who is now under invesitgation got funds for a bridge to nowhere.

At present we need leadership down here. Hopefully we have a governor's race in October and that will be the beginning of turning this around.

True. It will take time from such a major man made diasaster. That's right! A man made diasaster! The levees were inadequate.

But things are starting to come back like restaurants, Mardi Gras, The opera and sympathy, the parks and there is signs of home repairs and many trailers in front of them.

The city is starting to come back. Be sure to come visit it. Come to the Mardi Gras. Come try the fine restaurants. Visit the historic French Quarter

I'm in costume as a Granny for my profile and signature photo. It was last years Halloween costume and next year's Mardi Gras outfit.

As you can see I still have a sence of humor and am still full of hope for our area.

This is a perfect time to make our area bigger and better. We just need to get rid of the crooked politicians.