Pvt. Christopher McKenna
3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)
PATROL BASE WARRIOR KEEP, Iraq – A meeting held at Patrol Base Dragon Jan. 21 discussed plans for a decision-making and maintenance council in Yusufiyah and Abu Farris.
"Right now there is no representation from the Iraqi government in this region, but there needs to be a municipal function that operates here," said Capt. Thomas Goettke, commander of Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
The plan is to gather a pool of 150 workers to complete local projects for the area's improvement. The workers have to be competent and capable of doing the projects, said Capt. Jason Shultz, commander of Co. B, 1-187th Inf. Regt., 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT).
"What projects are deemed priority will be emphasized by the council," Shultz said. Salaries for the council positions are under consideration and a small budget will be involved for projects.
"Creating this council shows progress in the area with a basic government structure," Shultz said. "When other areas of Iraq see the success, perhaps they will realize it a good idea (and will) follow suit."
The council expressed a desire to meet with people from around the region to determine what the area needs most.
"This is your area and your people, the fact that you want to meet with people and bring them to the meetings and get their ideas is exactly what we are looking for," Shultz said.
The main thing is that everyone contributes to the good of the community, Goettke said. "Individual selflessness is something that must be emphasized."
| Date Taken: | 01.23.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 01.23.2008 11:39 |
| Story ID: | 15707 |
| Location: | KIRKUK, IQ |
| Web Views: | 472 |
| Downloads: | 456 |
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