National Conversation Changes Supervisor's Perspective on Storm

The town of Bedford has received some national attention in the aftermath of Sandy. In addition to the use of the town's own resources, the local wreckage has been lifted with help from the on the ground resources of the National Guard and Thursday's tour of the area with U.S. Congresswoman Nan Hayworth.

But it was a conference call with President Obama and leaders of other towns and counties in New York State that left Bedford Supervisor Lee Roberts feeling "almost chastised" for complaining about the lack of power and heat this week.

Roberts said on Thursday afternoon she received a call from Gov. Cuomo's office to arrange the call, held Thursday evening. The purpose of the call was for the president to hear directly from local leaders about the devastation that occurred after the storm barrelled through the region.

"It was surreal to be on the phone with the president," she said. "And what I heard was so sad."

Roberts described hearing from leaders in Suffolk and Nassau counties where tens of thousands of homes are flooded, or washed away by water or burned by fires. To her, the inconveniences of having no heat—or not being able to flush a toilet—seemed smaller after the call.

"I know the power outages are wearing on people, and we all have suffered through a major event. But there are many people in other areas who are now homeless," she said.

Still, Roberts said, the damage in Bedford in was extensive and the economic toll will be high. She sid the town's biilding inspector had logged over 60 homes with severe damage caused by trees falling on them. Town officials are continuing to hold daily meetings with county, local and school officials to coordinate resources and share information.

Bedford Fire Chief Jason Siemers said volunteers were still going out to do welfare checks on residents whose roads are still blocked. On Thursday night, he delivered supplies to a family who lives on Hickory Kingdom Road, where trees were blocking access in and out.

Town Clerk Lisbeth "Boo" Fumagalli also said she appreciated the Governor and President reaching out to hear local concerns.

"We received valuable information—such as how to get federal assistance. It was an example of what good government is all about," she said.

Other topics on the call included how to secure temporary housing for residents, approaches for pumping out New York City subways—and for one town, how to replace a sewer system.

"Hearing about the damage in other towns did put things in perspective," said Fumagalli.

In Bedford, they'll be working through the weekend to keep resources available for local residents who are in need.

Town Hall will be open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. for warming, charging and coffee, said Roberts. Dry ice and water will be distributed as it is made available.