In this week's FORUM - Fighting FEMA,,,

FROM THE PUBLISHER… FIGHTING FEMA-WHAT’S NEXT

While the technical review in consideration of updates to the Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) maps by FEMA continues, many nearby communities continue to struggle with the anticipation of how their insurance rates will escalate and how the physical modifications required at their homes will affect their lives.

The Forum held a meeting with a small group of well-informed individuals in order to formulate a base plan on how to proceed in the coming months as we prepare to coordinate actions in order to effectuate the most beneficial plan of action for residents hardest hit by Super Storm Sandy.

In union with other groups forming in storm communities around the country, especially STOP FEMA NOW, we have decided that our first step as a newspaper  is to appeal to our United States Senators and have them offer us their plans to act on behalf of legislation that would bring about the modification of the Biggert Watters Act.

To that end, The Forum has composed letters to Senators Gillibrand and Schumer, asking them to outline their plans to address flaws within the bill that must be rectified in addition to changes in the maps.

The critical issue before us is making sure that our legislators put their efforts into fixing what was done as a result of the poor understanding of the consequences of legislation that was pushed through without careful consideration of the serious ramifications to homeowners and residents.

By Patricia Adams