Officials not taking FEMA issue seriously

To the Editor:

Last Thursday, I attended what was labeled an important community forum and hearing of the Nassau County Legislature’s Towns, Villages and Cities Committee being conducted by Legislator Francis X. Becker Jr. to discuss the impact of the new Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps implemented in September 2009. It did interest me that Mr. Becker waited two years, since being made aware of the FEMA map problem, to initiate this kind of action. I personally wonder if it bears any relationship to a recent newspaper article announcing that Mr. Becker is commencing another attempt to win the seat in Congress presently held by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy. For those of us adversely affected by the FEMA map problem, it is not an issue for political advancement. It is a major cause for despair, frustration and anxiety.

Those in the audience on March 8 witnessed a young mother from Gibson standing in tears at the audience podium and telling how FEMA is the straw that has broken her family’s back. She told how she and her children have lived their lives in Gibson. They love their neighbors, community and their schools. She then, in total despair, informed those present, including some local officials from various parts of the county, that the additional burden of flood insurance and the overwhelming increase in homeowner’s insurance, is forcing her to dispose of her house or face foreclosure; she does not want to leave Gibson, but FEMA has given her no choice.

It is notable that local officials present at the meeting did not include the mayor and trustees of Valley Stream where Gibson, and perhaps the highest concentration of FEMA “victims,” is located. It is true that Mr. Becker is providing free copies of the meeting’s transcript to those requesting same. However, that transcript will not convey the emotions and atmosphere in the room that night. At the very least, the total absence of that lady’s governmental representatives from Valley Stream gives an appearance of disinterest, indifference and lack of concern.