BAGHDAD – Community leaders gathered to address several pressing issues and brainstorm solutions during the neighborhood advisory council meeting held at the city council building for the city of al-Sader, March 30.
The seven members of the local committee meet once a week to discuss improving security in the area and providing essential services to the people.
"The NAC is successful; the local people are recognizing the representatives and are presenting them with the issues that need addressing," said Mt. Vernon, Mo. native Capt. Brian Butler, commander, Company B, 2nd "Lancer" Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment.
The council talked about the improvements already made but they acknowledge the long road ahead in making the conditions better and safer for the people and building their capacity by receiving support from the government of Iraq.
"They [NAC] are in charge; we are just here to help guide them in the right way to help solve their problems in order to build their capacity," stated Butler.
We have to get power from the provided generators to the homes in the community said one of the NAC representatives, stressing a near-term goal and a concern of local citizens. This among other issues were presented at the NAC meeting.
The NAC plans to solve some of those issues by working to improve the conditions of the local roads, increasing support for schools and providing more essential services such as electrical power to their communities to enhance the quality of life for the local populace.