Apr 23, 2007 7:06 pm US/Eastern
Sen. Clinton Tours Flood Sites In NY
by Tony Aiello
MAMARONECK (CBS) ―
New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton offered encouragement to flood-weary residents as she toured Mamaroneck with the top man at the Federal Emergency Management Administration.
At the home of Armin Maldonado, Clinton asked "how's it going over here," as she stopped to sign autographs, and posed for pictures.
Eight-year old Diego Maldonado asked Clinton to say hello to his parents and view the damage at their home.
"Our house really got damaged," Diego said. "Hillary said she'd do whatever she can."
But elected officials can only do so much, which is where FEMA's R. David Paulison comes in.
Paulison has been praised for steadying FEMA after the post-Katrina turmoil. He trailed behind Clinton as she toured the Mamaroneck flood zone, then spoke briefly at a news conference.
"I'm going to tour some more areas, then I'll make my recommendation" to President Bush, Paulison said. "I do promise you a quick turnaround."
Paulison said he was in Mamaroneck so that when he makes a recommendation to President Bush on a disaster declaration, "I can say exactly what I saw and where I saw it."
But he would not say that he would recommend a declaration, or even if he was leaning toward one. And he would not say when the decision would be made.
A disaster declaration would allow FEMA to give up to $28,200 to qualified homeowners who suffered damage in the flood. FEMA money, in the form of a grant, can be used to repair foundations, floors, and heating and electrical systems, among other things.
It would also mean federal assistance to municipal governments that are spending a small fortune on storm clean-up.
Meanwhile, Clinton said she, US Rep. Nita Lowey, and Westchester Executive Andy Spano would create a charity to solicit donations for flood victims.
Spano said that while offers of furniture, clothing, computers and other goods were appreciated, "Right now, if you want to help, give money. Money is more important. We can focus it, we can transport it, we can get things done a lot faster with money."
Spano said details of the charity drive would be announced soon.
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