Is this a "cut to municipal aid?"

by: Thurman Hart

Sun Feb 07, 2010 at 01:51:22 PM EST

The Governor declares a State of Emergency when he/she believes a disaster has occurred or may be imminent that is severe enough to require State aid to supplement local resources in preventing or alleviating damages, loss, hardship or suffering. This declaration authorizes the Governor to speed State agency assistance to communities in need. It enables him to make resources immediately available to rescue, evacuate, shelter, provide essential commodities (i.e., heating fuel, food, etc.) and quell disturbances in affected localities. It may also position the State to seek federal assistance when the scope of the event exceeds the State's resources.

So...since the Governor said he'd be wary of throwing financial assistance to municipalities, and since this is the only Governor who hasn't noticed that an emergency exists...we might well ask if it is a financial consideration that keeps him from doing so.  After all, it would virtually force him to spend state money, and if having thousands of people without power when temperatures are life-threateningly low isn't an emergency, then what possibly could be?

If so, it is likely a case of "penny-wise, pound foolish."  If Christie doesn't declare a state of emergency; then we won't be able to qualify for the federal funds that will surely be approved for dealing with this snowstorm.  

Or perhaps there is method to his madness.  If he waits until the municipalities and counties struggle through this on their own, and then declares an emergency; then he prevents state expenditures but still qualifies for federal aid.  Of course, the people of Southern Jersey still suffer, and perhaps die, but that's a small price to pay for political points.  Right?