Decentralized power generation is a pragmatic solution to a variety of problems that plague property owners and residents throughout New York, and other cities.

The city and its residents have much to address in the way of preparedness. But health care should not be relegated to a "phase two" role. It is too important and the consequences of not addressing shortfalls in the system are too steep.

As the city shapes its future post-Sandy, can it also become a role model for how a community of leaders and citizens can work together to solve complex and potentially volatile public problems?

We're still cleaning up the physical damage -- though the damage to the lives of so many thousands of us will last for years. Let's not wait until this happens again. Let the planning to find "the fix" start tomorrow... literally tomorrow.

Superstorm Sandy delivers a message first heard on Sept. 11, 2001: New York, as a proxy for the United States, is unprepared for anticipated 21st century threats.