Westchester Legislator Harckham Warns Feds Not to Play Politics with Storm Relief Funds
“We need to work together—right now—to get people the help they need”
Katonah, NY - Following another survey of the extensive damage around Northern Westchester from Tropical Storm Irene, Westchester County Legislator Peter Harckham (D-Katonah) warned federal leaders and officials not to play politics with storm relief funds, and asked for the release of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance immediately to communities now in desperate straits.
Harckham’s comments this morning are a part of the growing dismay over the decision by Republican leaders in U. S. Congress, including Congresswoman Nan Hayworth, whose district includes Northern Westchester, not to approve FEMA funding for storm relief unless the spending was offset first by budget cuts.
“We need to work together—right now—to get people the help they need,” said Harckham, the Majority Leader of the Westchester County Board of Legislator (BOL). “Although FEMA has rightly designated Westchester as a major disaster area, the full funding and assistance needed to alleviate suffering and put people’s lives and livelihoods back on track cannot be held up by partisan politics.”
Half of the residences and businesses in Westchester County 2nd Legislative District, which Harckham represents, are still without electricity and many are also without running water. Fallen trees have snapped power lines and flood waters have damaged countless buildings and dwellings. Harckham’s district includes Somers, Bedford, Lewisboro, Pound Ridge, Mount Kisco and North Salem.
Presently, Westchester has qualified for public assistance from FEMA. Harckham said he hopes the federal agency will approve individual assistance to the region as well.
“Government leaders have to be totally responsive to those among us who fall victim to natural disasters,” said Harckham. “That’s our job—period. To shy away from this important duty, or to turn the need for help into a political game, is irresponsible.”
Harckham has spent the last week with municipal officials and residents inspecting the damage caused by the storm and facilitating recovery efforts. He also met with New York State Electric & Gas President (NYSEG) Mark Lynch and New York State Public Service Commission Chairman Garry A. Brown to express his dismay with NYSEG’s slow effort in restoring power to Northern Westchester. In response, Lynch promised more repair crews would deployed to the region.
Go to Main News Page
