LINCOLN PARK — Department of Homeland Security Sec. Janet Napolitano and Gov. Chris Christie vowed to work together to help hurricane battered New Jersey recover. In a joint appearance at the Lincoln Park fire station, both told a crowd of about 50 residents that President Obama is dedicated to seeing the area recover. The pair got a briefing from...
LINCOLN PARK — Department of Homeland Security Sec. Janet Napolitano and Gov. Chris Christie vowed to work together to help hurricane battered New Jersey recover.
In a joint appearance at the Lincoln Park fire station, both told a crowd of about 50 residents that President Obama is dedicated to seeing the area recover. The pair got a briefing from local authorities and shook hands with first responders who have been working in Morris County.
"We now are in the process of not just response but recovery, how we bring our communities back and even stronger," Napolitano said. "We will work with you."
Many of the residents were visibly agitated when it became apparent that Christie and Napolitano would not be taking questions from the crowd. Some had sat in the sun for hours waiting for Christie to appear.
"Fix the rivers and the dams, not the dog and pony show," one resident shouted after the press conference was over.
Before the news conference, Napolitano crossed the rope barricade between the podium and the crowd to talk to Gina Herbek of Lincoln Park. Her basement had filled entirely with water, the fourth time in a few years her home had flooded.
"Maybe it's time for a buyout," Napolitano told her.
"I'll take a buyout," another woman shouted from behind.
The governor and Napolitano left the fire hall to tour flooding in Paterson, a stop they had planned to make on their way to the fire hall but that was delayed. Obama will be in Paterson on Sunday.
Ignoring a partisan divide, Christie offered praise for FEMA and Obama for the response to the storm.
"I want to thank the president for his leadership," Christie said. "He is personally concerned about what's happening in our state."
The were joined at the event by U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) who has at times feuded with the governor. Instead today, he offered praise for his "leadership" during the storm.
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate offered assurances that the agency is dedicated to ensuring a full recovery occurs.
"It's going to take time, but it will get better," he said. "FEMA doesn't leave when the cameras leave."
Related coverage:
• President Obama to visit Paterson to survey Hurricane Irene damage
• As some N.J. residents begin to recover, others have just begun to feel Hurricane Irene's wrath
• Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano coming to N.J. to survey flooding
• Gov. Christie, Sens. Lautenberg, Menendez seek federal funds for Hurricane Irene cleanup
• N.J. Congressman Rush Holt to assess damage of Hurricane Irene in his legislative district