The author of the editorial "it's time for a nation to return the favor" is most likely a:

hi your question lacks the options  attached to the answer are the required options

a. native of the south demonstrating why it was foolish for people to

settle in new Orleans.

b. meteorologist warning that stronger storms are likely to hit new

Orleans in the future.

c. resident of new Orleans trying to get the federal government to

pay to rebuild the city.

d. politician considering how much money to spend on rebuilding

new Orleans

Answer :  A Resident of New Orleans trying to get the federal government to pay to rebuild the city ( C )

Explanation:

The editorial " it's time for a Nation to return the Favor" was written by the author with the intention of encouraging the people of new Orleans ask/request the congress for the help they deserve from the Federal Government after New Orleans must have played their parts in the success of the Federal Government.

The perfect Author for such Editorial is most likely a New Orleans Resident or citizen who feels first hand how urgent the people of New Orleans needs the intervention of the Government

the answers are 1 and 4