Fiore comments on FEMA crisis MELISSA L. GAFFNEY, Staff Writer,The Courier, May 8 Posted:05/09/08
Middletown Republican for Township Committee Anthony Fiore said he is very familiar with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) situation in the Bayshore.
"I think it's unfortunate that the Federal Government is passing on a responsibility of potentially fixing the problem to homeowners in the [Bayshore] area," Fiore said.
Fiore said he sees the potential flood insurance as almost a "recessive tax."
"We pay a ton of federal taxes," he said. "I think [the government] has a responsibility to maintain its own systems if [the government] feels they are inadequate."
The candidate said, rather than fix the problem at its source, the responsibility of fighting the new maps is being passed along to homeowners.
Fiore said any legislation is a good idea and "key" in this situation. "Sen. [Joe] Kyrillos has been out front with this issue, as has Assemblywoman Amy Handlin," he noted. "Middletown Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger has also taken a stance."
While he recognized Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., and his legislation regarding a moratorium on FEMA's implementation of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), Fiore said he is not sure putting a "hold" on the situation is the right idea. "Does it really solve the solution?" he asked. "I think that is still yet to be determined."
Fiore said it is important many political leaders are trying to come together to find a reputable solution. "I think the Bayshore municipalities need to come together," he said. "[The Bayshore argument] needs to be a unified front."
A Belford resident himself, Fiore said he is very partial to the Bayshore. He also said he owns a property in South Jersey, where he has flood insurance.
"It's a legitimate concern," Fiore said. "Everyone knows floods aren't covered by homeowners' insurance. If [someone has] had flooding problems in the past, [they're] going to seek flood insurance."
The towns and communities need to come together and present a unified voice, Fiore said.
Fiore concluded, "If it's mandated to spend money when there hasn't been a drop of [flood] water on the property, that takes away our choice."
