By: Sharbari Bose- Staff Writer
Suburban Trends
September 18, 2005
National media outlets spotlighted state Rep. Scott Garrett last week for his vote against sending emergency aid to states affected by Hurricane Katrina.
This, week, residents of the district he represents spoke out.
“This was a direct slap in the face,” said town native Wayne Gottlieb during the pubic portion of Thursday's council workshop.
“...He has disgraced all of us!”
Garrett was one of 11 federal congressmen and the only New Jersey constituent to vote against sending $52 billion in emergency relief to Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi; 410 House members favored the bill.
He attributed his decision to the bill's lack of accountability, according to reports.
“I wanted to make sure that the people in the 'affected areas get every bit of assistance they absolutely need,” Garrett (R-Wantage) told the Associated Press. ”...Writing them a blank check and not being able to have oversight does not achieve that!”
Calling Garrett's vote unusually ”conservative,” Democratic town councilmen urged their colleagues to pass a resolution opposing the congressman's move.
However, they denied being propelled by party affiliation.
“This has nothing to do with politics,” said Jim Warden, one of two Democrats on the council. “It has to do with right and wrong. We all live in an area where we have more than what these people had and voting not to help is wrong.”
Republican seat-holders disagree.
“I think passing a resolution is pure politics,” said Councilman Joe Elcavage. “Obviously, Scott knew the bill was going to pass. His was a symbolic vote to point out that next time this happens we should have a better plan instead throwing a lot of money into a situation,”
Sharbari Bose's e-mail address is bose@northjersey.com