Interim County Manager Jim Chrisman explains Beaufort County's predicament to Governor Beverly Perdue and U.S. Representative G.K. Butterfield: Above and below. photos by Stan Deatherage
Governor Perdue, Representative G.K. Butterfield, and NC Senator Stan White explain to all: the media, the local politicians and the tireless workers with the Emergency Operations Center how help is on the way: "I'm from the government and I'm here to help." photos by Stan Deatherage
I looked toward the front of the room, where our North Carolina political leaders were putting on a gallant face for folks, with Democrat County Commissioner Ed Booth as a part of the scenery, and then I located Republican NC Representative Bill Cook in the rear of the room.
I'm inquisitive, and ... well, I just had to ask, "You're our representative in the General Assembly. Why aren't you up there putting a fine face on this government solution, here in this storm's aftermath?"
"Well Stan, This is mostly just a photo-op for the Democrats. I'm just here to help."
I considered his comment, and my reply, "You're right. You're actually getting a handle on this whole political paradigm and how they work it. And by the way, that's my line - 'here to help.'"
And as I walked away from Bill and his new-found wisdom, I continued to give the politicians what they were there for - a willing camera. And therefore, I continued to put mine to work.
These photos are just part of the culmination of my efforts. photos by Stan Deatherage
On Monday, early in the afternoon, we first met with the Governor and her entourage, which provided for an excellent opportunity to photograph their efforts, including their helicopter tour over the Pamlico River and Beaufort County: Above and below. photos by Stan Deatherage
And they're off to see the damage, firsthand, down further east in Beaufort County: Above. photo by Stan Deatherage