There are a number of 2006 flood related items that need to be addressed in an effort to protect those residents who live in the flood prone areas of the southern tier. Conklin, Vestal, Union, Kirkwood and many other Town Leaders are to be commended for their tireless efforts in helping hundreds of homeowners who either lost their homes or who have experienced a great deal of flood related hardships. Low-income families in Vestal and Conklin and other towns are still waiting for buyouts. Residents in the Washington and State Streets area in Binghamton are still unprotected from future flooding. The floodwall near Crowley Foods needs to be raised. The Town of Union’s Fairmont Park levee needs to be improved. As Town of Union Supervisor John Bernard stated, “To the people who have been affected by the floods, protection is priceless”. I totally agree with John. When the floods came in June and November of 2006, the front line of defense were the town and village leaders. All of the Town/Village police and fire departments, emergency services, utility crews and many others were extremely effective in working together to help our many flood victims. We were in constant communication with each other and in some cases, we sent out municipal crews to help each other during one of the most devastating natural occurrences to hit Broome County. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge and commend the County Emergency Services Dept, Sheriff Harder and all the deputies, county employees and road crews for their days of hard work. I was there wading through floodwaters to help my residents. Where was Fiala during this event?

Instead of investing millions of dollars in old buildings that have been vacant for years, as County Executive, I will do whatever is in my power to protect the flood prone areas of Broome County. Protecting our residents is my most importantly objective. Investing in this protection will make Broome County a stronger candidate for new economic developments and a stronger market for housing sales. For example, in the flood prone sub-division of Chenango Shores in the Town of Dickinson, we decided without hesitation to begin flood mitigation work that would add protection for our residents in this area. The work was completed this spring with plans for additional work to be completed in the future. I look at this as an investment in our future and protection for our residents. That is the mindset that I will bring to Broome County. That is the mind set that is required to be an effective leader.

Thank you for visiting my website and for reading my view of this topic. I hope that you see the difference in my beliefs and approach from Ms. Fiala’s administration. Won’t you help me get the word out to others? Will you put a lawn sign in your yard or would you like some information cards about my campaign mailed to you? And most importantly, please send a donation so that I can continue our fight. Please see the HOW TO HELP page more information on how to support my campaign.Thank you.