We're creating a community plan for each community and we're working with the county to revise some of its regulations to make rebuilding easier and more planned.

It has been a really wonderful and rewarding experience, and we as a commission have done a tremendous amount since I've served on it the past three years.

We don't have anything to protect this particular area.

The students have learned a lot. First, learning about the level of devastation. What we saw on TV does not reflect what the reality is here and hearing the personal stories of people and how they have been affected by the hurricane. It's been really moving and educational. At the same time, the sense of optimism and hope that the people of Mississippi have has been amazing.

It's a very charming community, ... They are doing a great job here, preserving the downtown and unearthing these historical buildings.

With the Latino community, I am theirs, I do belong to them.