Politics on the Hudson

There was a surprising lack of news coming out of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clintion’s visit to the still-recovering areas of Mamaroneck this morning.

After walking through once-flooded streets with Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator R. David Paulison, Clinton re-iterated her call for President Bush to declare a federal disaster, but there was little word on when that might happen. Paulison would only say that they are moving “quickly” to get some sort of a recommendation to the president.

Perhaps what was most striking was the effusive praise Clinton gave to Paulison, calling him a “breath of fresh air” at FEMA and, at another point saying: “This is a good man.” Clinton had been outspoken in her criticism of FEMA’s response to Hurrican Katrina, often citing the adminstration’s botched handling of the storm at campaign events.

Clinton and Paulison — along with Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano, Rep. Nita Lowey and a host of local officials —visited the First Baptist Church on Howard Avenue and a pair of homes that were flooded when the Mamaroneck River overspilled its banks during the nor-easter.

As usual, the senator’s appearance caused a stir among local residents, but many said they were anxious to see the government do more to prevent future flooding.

“This is a photo opportunity,” said Doreen Green, 55, who was helping to clean up the church.

Journal News/Mike Roy: Clinton tours the damage with Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano and others.

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