Albany, NY – Phil Steck, Democratic candidate for Congress in New York’s 21st congressional district, is calling for immediate federal and state action to allay the fears of Mohawk River Valley residents of more disastrous flooding.
“It is a disgrace that state and federal officials have done nothing while the people in this region live in fear of the next big flood,” said Steck, who spent the weekend personally knocking on doors at the homes of over 200 residents in the Villages of St. Johnsville and Fort Plain. “After all we’ve seen in New York and across the country, you would think the politicians in Albany and Washington would have learned.”
In 2006, heavy rains swelled the Mohawk River causing a severe flood that damaged residential homes and commercial properties. While some emergency funds were distributed, many residents feel left out and no action has been taken to prevent future flooding.
According to a June 29, 2008, Times Union article, a 13-member commission appointed by the State of New York nearly a year ago has not even met once in that time, Steck said, adding that residents were rightfully frustrated by the lack of action.
“This is a prime example of big government failing to address the concerns of local people,” said Steck. “We’ve had enough of political honchos lunching with lobbyists and partying with the powerful.
“The people of Fort Plain and St. John sville need an advocate willing to go to work for them immediately,” Steck added. “I plan to do just that by drawing more attention to this issue now. If I’m elected to Congress, I’ll be a voice here in New York and in Washington for the people who live along the Mohawk to make sure they finally get the protection they deserve.”
3 Comments
July 8, 2008 at 6:18 pm
I’m sorry, but this just sounds like more political crapolo.
1) Find out what people are worried about.
2) Promise to fix it – whether it can be fixed or not – by throwing more of the taxpayers money at the problem.
We’d do well to heed Larry P. Arnn:
“…[W]e insist on the principle that no danger or crisis, foreign or domestic, will be solved by Americans surrendering more of their constitutional liberties, [like their money] in the foolish hope that a bigger government will provide greater security.”
July 8, 2008 at 6:31 pm
What I would like to see is people moved out of flood prone areas and make those areas off limit to any kind of construction. We keep spending tax payers’ money to rebuild in areas where we know floods are going to occur again. In California people continue to build in areas that are ravaged by wildfires on a continual basis, then they want us to bail them out when their houses burn down.
July 8, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Good point, mediumrarebooks. We’re also footing the bill to rebuild a city that’s five-foot below sea level. Maybe man should try to work within the natural geography, instead of trying to conquer it.