Grading the Governors
by Aakash Japi
The recent catastrophe of Hurricane Sandy has tested the resolve and tenacity of everyone in the tri-state area. From the massive devastation caused to seaside areas, to the extensive power outages, to flooding and destruction, Sandy wreaked havoc all across the northeast. And now, with displaced families crowding makeshift shelters, and streets rendered impassable by debris, the spotlight has shifted upon our leaders: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
Each governor displayed incredible poise throughout the duration of storm, remaining calm and personable and exemplifying the better parts of American leadership. Their “comfort speeches” brought back memories of F.D.R’s “fireside chats,” and their advice was logical and prudent. Both Governors did a remarkable job of not politicizing the storm.
They set aside their political affiliations for a time and did what they needed to do. Governor Christie embraced and welcomed the President Obama while Governor Cuomo cancelled his political trip to Florida in order to deal with the situation at hand.
Both men approached Sandy pragmatically, without personal prejudices, and worked together to restore order.
The directives of both Governors were well timed and far-sighted. Governor Christie ordered extra rations of gasoline days in advance, with Cuomo following suit a few days later. The New York governor also shut down public transportation to guard against flooding. Both of them ensured that the debacle of Hurricane Katrina’s relief efforts would not be repeated, strategically pre-positioning resources and spearheading evacuation efforts in order to minimize casualties and ensure citizens’ safety.
Christie, in his usual brazen fashion, waded through flooded streets to comfort distraught citizens. In one particularly emotional moment, Christie walked to a nine year old girl who’d lost her home and told her “let the adults in your community take care of you. We’ll be there for you.”
Cuomo, too, continued broadcasting daily, and was the symbol of resilience during trying times. “It never ceases to amaze me that New Yorkers can rise to the occasion,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are known for our courageand toughness, but our sense of community always shines through.”
Each governor displayed incredible poise throughout the duration of storm, remaining calm and personable and exemplifying the better parts of American leadership. Their “comfort speeches” brought back memories of F.D.R’s “fireside chats,” and their advice was logical and prudent. Both Governors did a remarkable job of not politicizing the storm.
They set aside their political affiliations for a time and did what they needed to do. Governor Christie embraced and welcomed the President Obama while Governor Cuomo cancelled his political trip to Florida in order to deal with the situation at hand.
Both men approached Sandy pragmatically, without personal prejudices, and worked together to restore order.
The directives of both Governors were well timed and far-sighted. Governor Christie ordered extra rations of gasoline days in advance, with Cuomo following suit a few days later. The New York governor also shut down public transportation to guard against flooding. Both of them ensured that the debacle of Hurricane Katrina’s relief efforts would not be repeated, strategically pre-positioning resources and spearheading evacuation efforts in order to minimize casualties and ensure citizens’ safety.
Christie, in his usual brazen fashion, waded through flooded streets to comfort distraught citizens. In one particularly emotional moment, Christie walked to a nine year old girl who’d lost her home and told her “let the adults in your community take care of you. We’ll be there for you.”
Cuomo, too, continued broadcasting daily, and was the symbol of resilience during trying times. “It never ceases to amaze me that New Yorkers can rise to the occasion,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are known for our courageand toughness, but our sense of community always shines through.”