Mayor calls Congress to task on MSNBC
'This was one of the most horrible acts of public service that I've ever witnessed in my career'
Asbury Park Mayor Ed Johnson appeared on cable news channel MSNBC this morning to talk about congress’s failure to vote on a $60 billion relief plan for areas affected by Hurricane Sandy.
The storm, which hit on Oct. 29, 2012, caused an estimated $50 billion of damage on the East Coast, according to MSNBC. In Asbury Park, public officials estimate cleanup and repairs will cost $12 million.
The storm hit 66 days ago and a federal relief package has yet to be approved, with the House of Representatives failing to vote on the bill Tuesday night. After Hurricane Katrina, it took 10 days for congress to approve a similar plan, according to MSNBC.
“This was one of the most horrible acts of public service that I’ve ever witnessed in my career,” Johnson said. “Not only was it disrespectful to the people of the Jersey Shore and the entire East Coast, who are just suffering and need this help, but it was one of the greatest lapses of leadership that I think we’ve seen in the United States ever.”
Members of congress who suggest the need for relief isn’t as great as suggested “don’t know what they’re talking about,” he added.
The taxpayers of Asbury Park “are already laying out close to $10 million and that’s just for starters,” he said. City officials have said FEMA and insurance companies may cover portions of the relief costs.
Johnson also talked about the issue at last night’s council meeting. He contrasted a bipartisan relief concert held at the Stone Pony on Sunday with Congress’s failure to come together.
“Together, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and even a gentleman from the Forest Party, came together to raised $100,000 for the communities of the Jersey Shore,” Johnson said at the meeting. “Last night, the House of Representatives refused to even consider a Sandy relief effort bill.
“They need to call themselves together and get to work,” he continued. “There’s nothing else to say.”
Deputy Mayor John G. Loffredo added that New Jersey sends $120 billion to the Federal Government each year, “and they couldn’t spend $60 billion to be divvied up among states,” he said. “It was disgusting.”
The video clip from MSNBC can be seen below.
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