Community Corner

Letter to the Editor: Appreciate Work of Summit's Leaders During and After Sandy

The majority of our frustration lies with JCP&L's antiquated distribution system, outdated technology and lack of available crews, equipment and supplies.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many lessons have been learned.  

First, we know that the city's Code Red Alert System is an invaluable tool for communicating with residents and businesses.  The warnings issued prior to the storm accurately predicted the storm's severity and the eventual problems that were experienced.  After the storm, updates were sent via text message, e-mail and voice message notifying people on the status of integral city services, school closings and power outages.  

Second, city workers led by our Mayor and city administration did an excellent job in planning for school closings, cleaning storm drains, securing essential city buildings and supplies and setting up a shelter and warming station.

No one anticipated the depth and the severity that Sandy would cause us.  Post storm, the city once again did a tremendous job in cleaning up the debris and fallen trees, ensuring public safety by blocking off unsafe areas and assisting people in need.  Our DPW, Police Department, Fire Department and EMS Squads are deserving of praise, not criticism.  Lest we forget that last Wednesday, after the Northeaster and snow event, city streets, sidewalks and parking lots were cleared early in the morning in order to accommodate commuters, businesses and school openings.  And we cannot forget that our sanitation employees still removed trash and recyclables from our homes and businesses.

The majority of our frustration lies with JCP&L's antiquated distribution system, outdated technology and lack of available crews, equipment and supplies. This was addressed with them last year by Governor Christie after Irene and the October 29, 2011 snow storm.

Overall we were very fortunate.  110 people died as a result of the storm, mostly in New York. In times of crisis we need to be appreciative and grateful for the work of our fine city employees.  

Find out what's happening in Summitwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Mark Giangiulio,

General Manager

Find out what's happening in Summitwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Grand Summit Hotel


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