On the ground in upstate NY, Republican praises Gov. Cuomo, federal gov't

[BeyondGeography]

Some signs of civilized life on the American planet:

Speaking in Prattsville, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said 600 homes were damaged and 150 major highways disrupted. The storm caused $45 million in damage to farms, authorities said, and as of Wednesday morning, about 329,000 customers were still without power statewide.

He put the price tag of the damage at $1 billion.

“We are going to rebuild better than it was before,” Cuomo said. “New Yorkers are a tough breed and in our darkest hours is when we shine the brightest.”

“I have to give kudos to the governor and his immediate staff,” said Wayne Speenburgh, chairman of the Greene County Legislature, and a Republican. “They have been absolutely outstanding in responding to the needs, specifically on the Mountaintop.”

http://registerstar.com/articles/2011/09/01/news/doc4e5f0e6910cfe658220940.txt

Another anecdote:

...Napolitano, meanwhile, encouraged individuals and homeowners to begin filing their claims now at m.fema.gov or 1-800-621-FEMA.

“This is one of the first areas to be declared a presidential major disaster,” Napolitano said. “That means individuals who need help now rebuilding their lives can begin the process, and the process begins first with registering with FEMA so we know who you are and where you are and begin the exchange of information that we will need.

A frustrated Prattsville resident, meanwhile, lashed out at the officials, asking if they were going to stay and help or if they were just pandering to the cameras.

“Are you guys going to hit the bricks when the cameras leave town?” he yelled.

Greene County Legislature Chairman Wayne Speenburgh responded, praising the response of the federal government, and particularly the National Guard, who Speenburgh said went door to door to assist homeowners after the flood hit.

http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2011/08/31/cuomo-irene-damage-close-to-1-billion-in-ny/