By Daily Press staff
A local clergyman is pushing for reform in relief efforts in Katrina-and Rita-ravaged Louisiana as part of a Los Angeles delegation.
Rev. Mike Gutierrez of St. Anne Catholic Church and other clergy and civic leaders from across the country converged in Baton Rouge to demand a federal response that protects displaced families, supports communities sheltering evacuees, prevent similar disasters and rebuild New Orleans.
The delegation will meet at the town hall in Baton Rouge on Oct. 5 to present its recommendations for how federal money should be allocated in the relief effort.
“Our churches will return to Louisiana as many times as necessary to make sure Congress and the president do right by those who perished and those who lost everything in the aftermath of Katrina," Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez and other members of LA Voice, which is part of a national network of faith-based organizations called PICO National Network, left for Baton Rouge Sept. 24 to meet with congregations from around the country. Book reveals strife of Indian women
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 27, 2005. Read the original PDF.