Cordova, Alabama Bans FEMA Trailers in Spite of Tornado's Destruction

Last April 27, 2011, Cordova, Alabama was one of the many communities across the Southern US hit by tornadoes. Homes were destroyed, lives were lost or put on hold, and it seemed that FEMA had come through for so many with temporary emergency shelters similar to those used in the wake of hurricane Katrina in 2005.

But Mayor Jack Scott seems to think a city's appearance is far more important than the lives of the city's residents. In the city of Cordova, Alabama, single-wide trailers are illegal. So those residents whose homes are destroyed are forced to either live in tents, or do without shelter, altogether.

According to a report from Yahoo News, Mayor Jack Scott appears concerned with the looks of the city, above all, even above those human lives affected by this heartless decision.

His response to questions over the trailer ban? He doesn't want run-down mobile homes parked all over the town years from now. He's quoted as saying "I don't feel guilty. I can look anyone in the eye." He seems to have blurred the line between arrogance and confidence.

Of course, while the ban on single-wide trailers might appear to be an "eye-sore" to Mayor Jack Scott when it comes to people living in them, they're good enough for a local bank, a local pharmacy, the city's police department, and yes, City Hall. Cordova's mayor sees no problem with the city itself being exempt from the law. It's only the people who need these shelters who are not allowed to use them, but it's fine for him and his associates. Double standard, anyone? Is he above his own town's laws? It seems so.

The residents of Cordova, Alabama aren't taking this lying down. Another report from Yahoo News tells of the recall effort to remove Jack Scott from office being in the works. Having no heart for those hurt by last April's massive tornadoes, what exactly is he doing in office?

Is Mayor Jack Scott a public servant? Or, is he simply self-serving? In a shocking display of his love of form over substance, residents of the city of Cordova, Alabama are in a bad situation, and the mayor seems more concerned over appearances than the lives of its residents. Shame on you, Mayor Jack Scott. Shame on you.