Monday morning, Governor Chris Christie was asked about why he’s back in New Hampshire so soon after the recent storm that caused flooding and other damage in New Jersey.
Christie replied, “Sam, I don’t even know what critics you’re talking about. There is no residual damage, there is no residual flooding damage. All the flooding receded yesterday morning. And there was no other damage…”
Watch his full response here:
However, reports conflict with Christie’s account. A CBS report documented some of the damage. During the segment, a resident also said, “I don’t know how he could possibly say that, I’ve been down here about five years and I’ve never seen flooding this bad.”
An NBC report noted some parts of the Jersey Shore were covered in 5-6 feet of water. Philly.com quotes a resident saying, “I was in my waders in three feet of water and my friend is saying Gov. Christie is on TV saying it’s not that bad.”
These reports contrast Christie’s handling of Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath, for which he has often been praised.
Update:
Christie’s office released this statement providing an update on the storm.
“…I have dispatched teams to Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean and Cumberland counties today, led by the Lieutenant Governor and DEP Commissioner, to assess any damage. They report the flood waters have, in the main, receded and that only 500 power outages remain from a high during the storm of approximately 100,000. I have also sent the leaders of the Economic Development Authority to work with any businesses which sustained any damage…”
Additionally, those quoted above about the storm’s impact reside in an area that was not hit as directly by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 as were northern shore communities. Christie noted earlier today, “To say that the flooding was worse now than for Hurricane Sandy, well of course it was, because Cape May County didn’t get hit by Hurricane Sandy.” The mayor of North Wildwood also noted in a statement, “it is unfair and insensitive to compare the damage we received as a result of this storm with the devastation that impacted our neighbors to the North during Sandy.”
Following a tour of parts of Cape May County affected by the storm, State Senator Van Drew praised Christie’s response and communication.
