HAWTHORNE, NJ – Today, Jeff Gardner, Democratic candidate for State Senate from the 35th District, questioned Governor Chris Christie’s failure to visit Paterson in the wake of flood conditions that damaged property, closed streets, and shut down public schools for two days.  Instead of touring Paterson – New Jersey’s third largest city – Christie chose to tour neighboring Little Falls and Wayne.  
 
“Time and time again, Paterson gets a raw deal from the powers that be in Trenton,” stated Gardner.  “How can the Governor fail to visit Paterson when large sections of the city were under water and public schools were forced to close for two full days? Whether it is the closing of Barnert Hospital in 2008 or losing scores of teachers and police officers from a lack of funding, Paterson continually gets the short end of the stick from our State government.”
 
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials will begin assessing flood damage in northern New Jersey today and do not expect the rain to pose much of a threat to the swollen Passaic River at Pine Brook and Little Falls. Meanwhile, Paterson saw substantial damage to property, infrastructure, and continues to cope with the ongoing displacement of families from their homes.
 
“This is one of the many reasons I’m seeking a seat in the State Senate. The 35th District needs a Senator willing to fight in Trenton on behalf of families impacted by flooding right now, as well as seek out long-term solutions to the problems facing flood zones in our communities.  Paterson residents are consistently ignored by Trenton policymakers, with flooding only being the latest example.”