Stop FEMA Now Meeting Mon. Night in Point Boro

Point Borough Council Candidates Bob Sabosik and Joe Furmato have scheduled a public “Stop FEMA Now” meeting in Point Pleasant to discuss the FEMA Advisory Base Flood Maps and how they will impact local property owners.

It will take place at 7 p.m. Monday at the Bay Head Shores Club house, 1711 Bay Blvd. in Point Pleasant Borough.

Sabosik, Point Borough Council president, and newcomer Furmato, are running as Republican candidates against Democrats Chris Goss, an incumbent, and Desiree Land, who is also running for the first time, in the November general election for two, three-year council seats.

Stop FEMA Now founder George Kasimos will speak and answer residents' questions on Monday night.

“These maps will tear many people from their homes and force many to make harsh decisions about their futures," said Kasimos in a prepared statement released by the Borough Republican Club.

"The costs of elevating our homes and the costs of annual insurance premiums forever will change our lives," Kasimos said in the statement.

Kasimos stated that the mission of Stop FEMA Now is to “create community awareness of the serious hardships FEMA is inflicting on people across the nation.”

“Our grassroots organization's meetings have drawn hundreds of attendees,” he continued. “It’s all about getting information out to as many affected residents as possible, and having an open dialogue with them.”

“I’m grateful to Bob and Joe for working with us to set up this meeting. In fact, Council President Sabosik was one of the first elected officials in the entire state to reach out to me in the aftermath of Sandy. We're a non-partisan group, so we're happy to cooperate with these Republicans as well as people in other towns who happen to be Democrats.”

Sabosik has been a harsh critic of FEMA’s flood maps, according to the prepared statement.

“I have stood in staunch opposition to these ill-conceived maps since the day FEMA first released them. They are hurting communities like Point Pleasant all up and down the coast. Sandy didn’t destroy Point Pleasant, but FEMA is trying to. We can’t let that happen, and I will fight tirelessly to keep that from happening. George and Stop FEMA Now have been outspoken partners every step of the way.”

Council Candidate Furmato echoed his running mate's sentiments.

“As a resident of the Sunshine Harbor section of Point Pleasant, my community is 'ground zero' for this problem. When my wife and I walk the dog at night, I can’t tell you how many houses are still pitch black. 

"Almost nine months after Sandy, people still don’t know what to do with their properties due to the uncertainty created by FEMA. At this meeting, people can voice their concerns and at the same time obtain information which may be helpful to them.”

The meeting is open to all property owners of Point Pleasant and nearby towns. Additional information about Stop FEMA Now is on its website.