As Ocean County Prepares for Ninth Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, Emma Mammano and Her Team Reflect on Ways to Make the Shore Safer

Brick, New Jersey – As we approach the ninth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, Ocean County residents are reminded of the economic and psychological toll the storm took on the community.  Ocean County was unprepared to deal with the impacts of the storm, and many residents suffered irreparable damage to their homes and lives. New Jersey’s 10th Legislative District Senate candidate, Emma Mammano, expresses her sympathy for all those who continue to be affected years later. However, Mammano and her team of Sharon Quilter and Tony Kono for Assembly, know that sympathy alone will not be enough to help Sandy survivors or to prevent another similar disaster at the Jersey Shore.

As a resident of Brick Township who experienced Sandy’s destruction first-hand, Mammano’s goal is to ensure that Ocean County is prepared for future storms. This preparation entails studying the impact of climate change on the region, updating infrastructure to minimize damage and ensure residents’ safety, and developing comprehensive emergency preparedness plans.

“In 2012, New Jersey was not prepared for Sandy,” Mammano explained. “I witnessed Sandy’s destruction in my own backyard and continue to observe the harm and effects it has on our residents. It destroyed billions of dollars in infrastructure and wildlife habitats, displaced families, and caused emotional trauma throughout the community,” she added.

“Many New Jerseyans do not realize that even after all these years, some members of our community are not back in their homes. The relief effort after Sandy was marred by overwhelm, confusion, delays, and unscrupulous contractors.  If elected, I will make sure we have a response plan in place, and that the aid disbursement process is efficient and transparent.”

According to the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration, the total cost of damages caused by Sandy exceeded $37 billion. Residents experienced $7.8 billion in damage, businesses experienced $3.56 billion, and $2.2 billion for municipalities, plus an additional $23.5 billion for hazard mitigation. Since 2012, there have been 17 hurricanes that have impacted New Jersey residents and with each one, the state was not properly prepared with evacuation protocols and regulations, resulting in casualties and more damage.

“It all comes down to climate change,” Mammano noted. “Climate change has not only caused sea levels to rise at a rapid rate, but it’s also caused more powerful and intense storms, like Sandy. The Jersey Shore is at a high risk of sinking in the near future according to Rutgers NJ Climate Change Resource Center .

That’s why my running mates and I are also in favor of off-shore wind initiatives like the Atlantic Wind Farm, which will help us transition away from fossil fuels as rapidly as possible.”

Sharon Quilter, one of Mammano’s assembly running mates and the Shore Keeper Captain for the New Jersey Organizing Project, is herself a Sandy survivor. She has studied the weather patterns and environmental changes at the shore for many years. She and Mammano are urging New Jersey legislators to be informed about these environmental issues and the impact they will have on the region.

“We are at risk of losing our homes again,” Quilter said. “As temperatures rise, so do the sea levels. There is no proper solution or plan in place if another Sandy hits New Jersey again.”

Quilter emphasizes the importance of developing a detailed disaster plan for residents. As an environmental advocate, she is also a member of the New Jersey Volunteers Organizations in Active Disasters. The organization practices emergency protocols during a state of emergency and what to do when you have children, disabled residents, and pets in your household.  As a state legislator, Quilter plans to work with others in state and local government to make infrastructure improvements such as improving roadways and levees to prevent flooding in order to keep residents safe.

“I admire Sharon’s passion and advocacy for our environment,” Mammano acknowledged. “Ocean County is known for its beautiful bay and beaches, where locals and tourists alike play, swim, fish, and boat,” she added. If we don’t do something to protect what we have, this Jersey Shore community as we know it could cease to exist.”

Mammano’s other running mate for assembly, Tony Kono, also experienced damage to his home from Sandy, and had to elevate it as a result. He is a captain for Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Clean Ups, as he strives to keep the shore communities clean and beautiful. Tony remarked, “We have a strong understanding of the urgent climate change issues affecting our state.

We also have plans to address other local issues of concern, such as government transparency, healthcare, and school funding. The Mammano, Kono and Quilter team are committed to listening to the voices of all New Jerseyans, and working tirelessly in Trenton on their behalf.”

For more information about Emma Mammano for NJ State Senate, visit thejerseyshoredeservesmore.com.

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