I. PUT PEOPLE FIRST The people who were hurt, suffered and were displaced must come first. The region should be rebuilt to meet their needs, and provide them with secure, prosperous and dignified lives. All must be welcomed back if they choose to return.
II. INVEST IN THE LOCAL WORKFORCE AND ECONOMY Local workers and local businesses must be partners in the rebuilding. The disaster should not be used to drive down wages or salaries. Arguments of "efficiency" should not be used to channel the benefits of rebuilding to outside mega-firms. Existing prevailing wage, equal opportunity and small business safety nets should be respected, not shredded. In addition, workers involved in the clean up, rebuilding and restart of industry must be adequately protected.
III. DON'T SACRIFICE HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR SPEED The community must be safe and healthy for those who are going to live and work there. While speed is of the essence for the immediate draining and restoration of basic infrastructure, scientists -- not politicians or bureaucrats -- must be allowed to determine what it will take to make the cleanup and rebuilding safe for residents, including children, the elderly, and those at particular risk from toxins. In addition, workers must be involved in the clean up, rebuilding and restart must adequately protected.
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