Mayor: Have Patience With Lack of Power

Electricity is still off in many sections of Jefferson Township, as residents begin the process of cleaning up in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

Jefferso Township Mayor Russell Felter is asking for residents’ patience while waiting for power to be restored.

“We have power still out in parts of Lake Shawnee and Lake Forest, some areas of the Milton section of town and on Minisink Road,” Felter said.

“I know the power company is working on all the sections, and they have crews out all over town, but they are just completely overwhelmed right now.

“They are telling us that it may be a few days at this point,” Felter added. “I’m hoping that’s just the worst case scenario, and that it will be back sooner.”

Felter also said that the township will be helping residents out with clean-up in a number of ways.

“We are letting residents bring brush to the DPW center every day, and we are talking to the garbage collectors about being more generous with what they will pick up at the curb. This doesn’t mean 50 pieces of furniture, but they will make exceptions,” Felter said. “And if we have to add in extra pick-up days, we can do that, too.”

Felter also said that representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be coming to assess damage in the township.

“We also have a link to FEMA information and an application for help on our web site, if people need that,” Felter said.