Christie: Go Back to Work, Open Schools, Calm Down
Governor Chris Christie and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano visited Hoboken on Sunday, urging residents to get their lives back to close to normal.
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Governor Chris Christie and Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer on Sunday afternoon.
Chris Costa
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The state should be as good as back to normal by the end of next week, Gov. Chris Christie said during a press conference in Hoboken Sunday afternoon.
"A week ago today we were prepping for the storm to come tomorrow," Christie said. "It's going to be a long and difficult process to get us back to normal."
Christie urged school districts to open on Monday if possible and people to go to work. New Jersey Transit has increased buses — about 200 more between New York and New Jersey — for the Monday morning commute.
New Jersey Transit restored 90 percent of its bus service as of Sunday afternoon and four of its rail lines had begun running again.
"People should go back to work tomorrow," he said. All roads — except four by the barrier islands — were reopened as of Sunday.
No announcement was made yet about when PATH service will resume. Both the tunnels and the substation that powers the PATH system suffered heavy flooding. The governor also urged people to carpool and not wait until rush hour to drive to work.
"We have to work together and be patient," Christie continued. The governor was joined by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer in downtown Hoboken. Earlier, he had toured the Elks Lodge, where for the last few days thousands of hot meals have been served to the community.
"Hoboken is at the forefront of my mind," Christie said. Senators Bob Menendez and Frank Lautenberg also attended the press conference, as well as Congressman Albio Sires.
Christie said the gas rationing will remain in place until the power is fully restored. As more gas stations get their power back, lines have begun to shrink.
The governor also emphasized that there is no gas shortage in the state of New Jersey at the moment, but that it's just not possible to get to it at the moment. There's no need to stock up on gas, Christie said.
"People should just calm down. Do not panic about it," he said.
Christie also announced that 22 million gallons of gas were sent down to be distributed between New York and New Jersey.
Thousands of electricians — including 8,000 from out of state — continue to work on restoring power to those who are still in the dark. Over the past days, Christie said, about 1.8 million people had their power restored.
As of Sunday afternoon, almost a million New Jersey residents were still without power, down from 2.7 million earlier in the week.
By the end of next week, Christie said he expects everybody to have power, except in the places that are so damaged that power restoration is impossible.
The water in New Jersey is safe to drink. Only four communities in the state still have a boil water advisory, Christie said.
A total of 4,400 representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are present all over the state. All New Jersey residents who suffered damage are encouraged to call 800-621-FEMA to register for relief funds. All of New Jersey's counties are subject to an emergency declaration, Christie said. New Jersey residents who have lost their job due to the hurricane could be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance.
As far as Tuesday's elections, Christie said that all New Jersey residents will be able to vote. Back up generators will have to power some districts in the state. County clerk's offices are open, where people can go to vote.
"Polling places are going to be fine," he said, "nobody should have an excuse not to vote on Tuesday."
Those who have been displaced from their homes will be able to vote by fax or email.
While a lot has been done to get back to normal, "there is still real hardship out there," Napolitano said. "We are not done with this storm."
A total of 4,000 people were still in shelters around the state as of Sunday afternoon, a number that does not include those who have evacuated to friends or family.
Christie said that he was happy to see New Jerseyans come together and help each other out in one of the biggest natural disasters to hit the area.
"This state is full of tough, griddy, no nonsense, emotional people," Christie said. "This state is a family. We pull together like a family."
Joe R
7:34 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
But, but, but the GOP, libertarians, Ayn Randians and tea partiers don't believe in big government. You should help yourself, you should have been prepared, you should not be dependent on government, FEMA breeds dependency, blah, blah blah and all the other crap we hear from the right wingers . Even that libertarian jerk John Stossel takes advantage of "big government" when his precious beach real estate gets blasted by mother nature. A total hypocrite and so was Ayn Rand who collected Social Security and Medicare in her declining years.
Max R
9:50 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Goes to show you, some people can't be pleased. The Governor praised the President and left politics at the door. Apparently that's not good enough for Joe R
Chico Little
9:54 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
First of all, YOU do not get to tell other people the limits of their belief systems any more than you can tell a Muslim what to believe -- although you likely try. The "big" is the problem. Government is fine, but as Jefferson said, "that government governs best that governs least." No one is for zero government, although I realize for simple minds like yours that see everything in black and white, it's hard to understand that nuance. We need the government to do those things which we cannot do alone: Build roads, defend our nation, and all the rest of the powers enumerated and limited in the Constitution.
By your simplistic knowledge, a sniveling right-winger would say these blue staters shouldn't rebuild because they hate development and are love the environment over people, and shouldn't get gas because they want only electric cars.
I took the time to explain this to you, because, honestly, people are freezing out there right now. The last thing we need are simple minds setting up straw dogs to score cheap political points on either side.
And if you want to know a president who believed exactly what you're saying about disaster relief from hurricanes, you can look to NJ's own Grover Cleveland -- a Democrat -- proving that we've always had a national discussion over what the role and size of our government should be.
Ann Powers
9:28 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
There's a big difference between ObamaWorld and responsible government. You obviously don't know the difference...but you may, if O gets re-elected and we fall off the financial cliff. Oh yes, there's also the issue of Valerie Jarrett's vow for revenge. Your diatribe is ridiculous and ignorant.
suz
7:36 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I still love you Christie!
Mary ledwith
7:42 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I am a Democrate and I have now seen another side of Chris Christi and I like it ... He has my vote in the next election.
marlyn
7:52 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I totally agree with you!!
Dinkar Bhat
8:09 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I lean Democrat but he definitely has my vote too. First, he has shown no-nonsense leadership and has praised the President - guts to give credit where it is due. Good job, Governor...
Derek
7:52 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I think CC has shown his true worth. He acts like a person and not a politician.
PC
9:09 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
well said. love him, i think he's done a great job!
Dainty
10:24 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I agree, While I'm not a CC fan, as I don't appreciate his politics I do think he is a great manager and did a great job, so far, with Sandy.
cjlacey
8:03 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Also not a CC fan, but he has pulled through for ALL New Jerseyans and demonstrated his ability to be bipartisan. I have seen far too much criticism of the man these past few days rooted in politics. We should save that for the polls. Some things are not happening quick enough, but I think as a state we are so stretched out right now. Not sure if I'd vote for him, but his record will put him at an advantage when I weigh in any other candidate when that time comes.
Mark Wauben
8:00 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
...bad news, no email voting in Ocean county for residents displaced by Sandy.
And you have to drive to Toms River to get a mail in ballot...so be prepared to drive to the polls on Tuesday. Christie is doing a great job, but apparently Ocean county clerk didn't get the memo on email voting...too bad.
Monk
8:13 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
It seems like only Joe R — who has an internet stuttering problem — can't put his his ideology aside even in the case of a natural catastrophe. That's pretty hardcore.
Project Bluebeam
4:36 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
That would be Joe R AND the biased liberal media. It's disgusting how they are spinning this disaster as win-win situation for Obama. I'm equally disappointed by conservative commentators who have been attacking Christie for thanking Obama for his cooperation. Sad, sick world we live in.
P.S. I'm still waiting to see any atheist groups organize a relief effort of some sort. Then again belief in a greater good never was their thing.
IheartMullet
10:29 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
What does being an atheist (or any religion) have anything to do with participating in the relief effort? We are ALL from NJ and we ALL will do our part to help. Grow up dude.
Mike
12:34 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
http://www.meetup.com/atheists-24/events/89412092/
New York City Athiest meetup group organizes blood drive for New York City
Castor
10:58 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012
That's because atheists don't need to form a group and be led by the hand to those that need help. They just go help. They also don't need to be identified and praised for the help they offer.
cracker jack
8:20 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Good luck opening schools Monday gov Christie . Oopsy ...still no power in schools in heart of Monmouth. Jeez louiz...jcpl feeds BS and you repeat it. The lack of reliable useful info is deplorable. Still in the cold and dark center of Aberdeen.
Project Bluebeam
4:37 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
You didn't Los your house. Deal with it.
Carol Marten
8:48 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I used to lean democrat but I am realizing that my last couple of choices Obama and 'not' Christy have been poor. Needless to say Romney has my vote on Tues and the governor has my support now.
lifelonginbrick
1:14 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Really? I can understand admiring how Christy has put aside politics in times of crisis but I just don't understand why Romney appeals to ANYONE. What about him do you like? The way he lies A LOT and changes his position from day to day and has to have his 'handlers' walk back his crazy the next day. Call me old fashioned but I don't think people who just lie to suite the current audience in front of them at the given hour are decent people - even politicans. Romney is a sleazy used car salesmen whose only ideas are the extreme versions of what caused the financial crisis in 2008. The guy only care about Mitt Romney and maybe getting to write to his hedge fund managers using white house stationary.
Chief Wahoo
9:01 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
It's so funny watching liberals now thinking Christie is great. He has always been a liberal but he just didn't gave a D next to his name so you didn't know to pull the lever next to his name. He is a liar but you now love him. LOL
Eric R Schuber
9:10 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
They all lie.
Denis
1:24 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
TEACHER ALERT !!!!
Chief Wahoo
9:19 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Denis
You moron. You think I'm pro teacher ? I am against everything public and for No Government. But it's dolts like you who believe in the red team vs the blue team that I hate the most !
James Monroe
9:12 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I don't know why it still surprises me how ignorant people are. Chris Christie is a self servicing politician and liar. I feel sorry for those that rave about him and have no idea of the acts he was involved in before he became Governor. As they say, ignorance is bliss. Btw has your property taxes went down yet? He took the money from state workers, teachers, fire fighters, & police (you know the people helping you now and volunteering) to lower your property taxes. I haven't seen a dime, have you? So where did all the money go?
Fawkes
9:21 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
All the money went to his good buddies in the gambling industry. Silly leftwing fanatic, don't you know that we have to help out the poor, struggling casino moguls?
Max R
9:55 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
James, if it weren't for Christie's 2% tax cap our taxes would have gone up 17% instead of 4% last year. Council had to ASK the voters and we voted no. Speaking for Lawrence, of course.
Chico Little
9:57 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
How did he take money from state employees who are paid by the people? First of all, the legislature only reduced their 5% raises and $0 contributions to their pensions. Second, it's OUR money that THEY take. We are the employers; they are the employees. We decide how much we can afford to pay, and certainly we cannot afford to pay them more than we're making. It doesn't mean we don't appreciate and value what they do, but we can't afford it, anymore.
I hope you can understand this. If not, get someone who gradated high school to help you with the big words.
Fawkes
10:19 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Interesting how the two stool pigeons who replied didn't bother addressing the fact that through his spending priorities Christie actually has redistributed wealth, from the poor and middle-class to the richest business owners (particularly, casino owners) of the state. Their worship of all-things Republican blinds them. And Chico Little, I can't speak for James, but I'll personally try as hard as I can to find someone who "gradated" high school, but no promises that it'll be a success. If you're trying to put someone down as being 'stupid,' it'd be best to make sure you don't sound like an illiterate fool.
Denis
1:26 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
TEACHER ALERT !!!!
Fawkes
9:26 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
James Monroe, I think you're dangerous. Telling people not to put every ounce of their faith in greedy, self-serving politicians is reckless. I think you need to apologize right now to our glorious governor before you start waking up, err, I mean, angering the rowdy masses. We can't have people thinking for themselves. Just think of all that rabble!
Bob Gibson
9:40 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Please don't be gullible people. Christie has no clue what's going on in Monmouth county. Wall has no power! Think its safe? The buses r being used to block streets! I bet he has power to keep his yodels cold.
REALLY?
11:06 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Bob Gibson, Please don't be gullible. Christie has no clue what is going on in NJ, never mind Monmouth County, Ocean County or any other County. He has been stomping all over other States for Romney since he became Governor. He does not care about Nj no more than all the other self serving politicians and public employees. Don't you realize that they are all out for themselves. When you don't have money worries, getting paid no matter what and have electric... whats the big deal. The storm is devastating and the impact to NJ residents has taken a toll. He should consider and declare this storm as a state of emergency and days should not have to be made up. I can almost bet, most parents would not complain that their kids is just not going to make it if they don't put the 180 days quota...I think our kids will survive.
Eric R Schuber
9:51 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Is this the new f-book? Try being positive and stop the negative remarks.
Thom M
10:08 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
None of it is black and white. Politics reflects life in that one should evaluate each individual and situation based on its merits and the time and place in which it occurs. I'm not a big Chriistie fan, but I think he's trying to do the best that he can. He most likely has multiple motivations including re-election hopes, presidential hopes in 2016 and an understanding of who will be President, at least through January. Given all of that, I also think he cares about the citizens of his state and wants the best for them. Hence, his lack of sleep, alliance with a democrat President and dedication to getting his state back on its feet. Politics IS the name of the game, but cocooned in his efforts is humanity and goodwill.
paul
10:20 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Eric...I think that is what you call reality...not negativity, Christie has been saying really stupid things...He stated on TV to just vote and your regular polls. Really?
Patriot Jack
10:09 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Let's talk more here about how we can volunteer our time to help others out. It's still the 10% complaining as usual. The same ones crying over missed coffee and long gas lines why someones house is in the Ocean. Get your priorities in order,"PLEASE"
Max R
10:24 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Just because we don't like to talk about it doesn't mean no one else volunteers their time. Some of us just do it and keep quiet about it because we don't need platitudes.
Stan
10:47 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Christie seems like a decent guy. I'm not a huge fan of his, even though I'm a registered Republican, but his leadership abilities tend to shine in situations like this. Seriously, if he wants to run for the "big job" he needs to get his weight under control. That is a serious health risk and he's just asking for trouble as he gets older.
i don't get it??
10:51 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thank You to all of the out of state utility companies that came in to do a service for us...I hope that the people in this state showed gratitude and friendliness and treated you with the respect you deserved, and if they did, when you go back to your home state you tell people that MOST of us in NJ are not like the jerks they show on tv...THANK YOU FOR HELPING US!!
Lynny
11:10 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I love Christie. He's a wonderful person and has made me so proud to have him as my Governor. He's doing a fantastic job during this crisis.
James Monroe
11:43 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Don't forget during our last time of need, the snowstorms, the "Great" Governor & Lt. Gov. went & stayed on vacation. Yet he has no problem telling others to leave their vacations and get back to work! What a HYPOCRITE!
RESPONSES TO MY POST:
Thank you! It was extremely encouraging to see that there are intelligent free minded people left in NJ. They all haven't moved to PA or FL, yet.
The others, I'm sorry the governor has you deceived. However, it's not totally your fault because he is a politician. Btw, I was one of the many that were displaced from their home and had to find refuge somewhere else.
Eve
2:33 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
OK, great advice, let's see... the schools in town have no power, so they cannot open just yet. Those who managed to get gas can go to work, if they can navigate streets without traffic lights, these are not for the faint of heart. And only if their workplace is open, of course, so many businesses are still closed, with no power. And no train service to New York for us anymore. Let's see how the new free buses handle the deluge of former train riders Monday.
This advice does not exactly apply to most of Monmouth county, a lot of us still have no power, the gas is hard to get, and transportation is a disaster.
sam calvalo
5:10 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Where are $ 2000 visa card like the goverment gave people from Katrina? Oh thats right were not?
hd 1981
6:46 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Ask Obama. Darn I forgot he had to go to Vegas.
pferd
7:22 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
i hope the scumbag obama is nice and warm in his well appointed 747 flying around lying to the american people.
so now i know what he meant. the revenge part is for the people that did not vote for him.
what a scumbag.
pferd
7:23 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
and you christie = stay out of the way = what would you know about going to work.
neither you nor obama have worked a day in your life.
Castor
11:07 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012
As opposed to Romney who is such a hard worker lol.
Mapleleafnj
7:30 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
This is hilarious, the spew of hate for the mean fat governor and smug faced community organizer. Hello, they are both politicians and dont give a damn about your power your house your family. Like my pappy used to say, "If your waiting for the gov't to do something for you, you are gonna be waiting, and waiting, and waiting".
Also i think OHIO must have sustained some heavy damage from a CAT 3 hurricane that was not reported, as our Prez is spending alot of time there to get things fixed, So I guess it was a storm bigger than Sandy. Oh, thats right, not getting re-elected is like a CAT 3 hurricane now, so I guess the people of NJ will have to wait until this storm passes.
Chico Little
7:52 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Tell me, did your "pappy" go and lick the Nazis all by his own self or did the government pitch in and help us win? Yeah, people should do more for themselves but perhaps you missed that thousands of people lost EVERYTHING. They don't have two sticks to rub together. This is when we need government. Not to run our health care, not to decide what we eat, not to feed our kids at school, not to do all those sorts of little things we or the states should be doing.
Mapleleafnj
10:46 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
My pappy was a Korean War Vet (RIP) and my Grandfather a WWII Vet (RIP) who so save your lecture about that for someone else. Nothing in my statement made any mention about any specific public service. All it was stating was dont expect the gov't to come to the rescue, as politicians are politicians, but I guess were looking for an argument no matter what anyone said. Mr De Chico from France .......
Fawkes
12:27 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
I wouldn't wait up for a response from Chico Little. Bullies don't like dealing with people who stand up to them.
Yaofeng Chen
7:50 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
You know what you will get when you mention a Republican and a Democrat in the same article. The result: hundreds or perhaps thousands of responses squabbling off topics.
Marjorie Smith
8:05 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Yaofeng - thanks for saying it so succinctly. It's quite boring in its predictability!
Chief Wahoo
8:08 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
What a beautiful looking couple.
Kate Beckanen
8:27 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Goodbye Obama... Your time is up!
joseph
8:43 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Christie came thru in ther storm - no doubt. BUT he is a Tea Party guy which means he cares more for his idealogy than the common good in the daily operation of the State. He does not get my vote no tea partyer gets my vote
Castor
11:10 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012
No politician cares about anyone but themselves that's why they're politicians and don't actually work for a living.
brickgreen mom
11:01 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
have always loved Christie.. he's right for NJ. But to say thing willbe back to normal in a week just is not true. Still no power for most home past Visttion Church in Brick ( funny thats the polling site) schools not re opening ti Nov 12... ( for now) power line still down .. have yet to have even see a Jcp& L truck. & Now we to worry about the next storm & out pipes freezing... This will affect many of us for a long time...emotionally & finanically etc... BUT I am very greatful how much we have have come together to help eachother.. we really have a great community.
suz
11:12 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Again, I love you Gov! Hey, he is doing the best he can...This is a "new" experience for ALL of us. Please, lets just all try to be patient and compassionate and we will get thru! JERSEY STRONG!
CAMERON
12:31 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
The. Big bag of wind has spoken. Easy for wing bag to say. Hello. Anyhow can't. Wait TO VOTE WINDY OUT! Even if I must cross party line I will not be voting for windy.
Denis
5:14 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
TEACHER ALERT !!!!
Fawkes
5:31 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Denis: MENTAL PATIENT ALERT!!!
Phil
3:57 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
I wonder if hes had power this whole time. He should be the last restored... See how fast he gets shit done then
suz
9:25 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
He lost power also in his own home. Don't be such a cruel doobee!
Xavier
9:21 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
I heard all his ice cream melted.
paul
10:25 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
I am sure he has the mother generator that does his mansion. He does not have to wait in line for Gas. He has an easy life, promising and lying to everyone is pretty eas and he does that well.
paul
10:25 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
"easy"
terri
11:06 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Jcpl sucks they care less and christie should get on their asses more
John E
11:13 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
I know people are still without power and very mad at JCP&L...but it was a huge storm ( like affecting 10 states on their coast).
I waited three days to get power back and saw those JCP&L workers out there even at 3AM..its a very dangerous job they do people have to understand that..its not a office job. I give a CHEERS to the lineman for doing what they did knowing people needed power..hard to do all over to rtepair..depends on the damage in the area.
terri
9:04 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Jcpl does suck. They just sent me a shut off notice im glad you got your power back so soon no one i know has even seen one truck. When we alerted them again to a downed power line that was active and the kids in the area were supposed to have halloween yesterday they told us it was the parents responsibilities not theirs even
though its their line so no kids went out because we do have responsible parents here unlike jcpl
Matthew Minthorn
9:41 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
I agree. They need to get moving, and fast,
Matthew Minthorn
9:40 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
I have been driving around, and there is NOT one JCP&L truck! All I have seen is Comcast, and no JCP&L trucks, I dont see them working on anything, and there are down wires, and they said that they would be faster. They just lied again and again. I wish the law that would fine them would have passed because then we would see more and more JCP&L trucks in the entire neighboorhood. Snow is coming and it will be very cold in everyones house. They should get moving and fast. I hate having no power and its just a pain in the butt.
George Clark
11:09 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012
get a grip. the people working are out to make money and tresor power not in that order. just like the rest of us, they are out for money and give me one reason why they shouldn;t be? because you pay bill? because you r suffering? Tell that to wall street and get the money they robbed the world and brought down europ's "socialism" with a diverative scham they flim flammed on all those stock breakers and money makers who could gave a...hits rats. arse about the global economy in doing so. Go to hell like we deserve for screwing each other to death. enjoy, we got it coming . suck it bitches.