OTHERS SAY

Holiday from partisanship

Chilly weather aside, most of the Jersey Shore’s towns were back in business for the Memorial Day weekend, which was capped by another joint appearance of President Barack Obama and Gov. Chris Christie. Those who would criticize the “bromance” between the Democratic president and the Republican governor should consider that this is what it looks like when politicians do their jobs. Their cooperation after Hurricane Sandy has shown how working together can bring about results.

But troubling issues remain. Some of the Shore’s less affluent residents and second-home owners may not be able to afford to rebuild. Insurance settlements have been slow to come for many of the owners and renters of the 360,000 apartments and houses damaged by the storm, and work on them is only beginning. Christie has wisely put forward $300 million to buy out residents who want to walk away.

But the governor has yet to address climate change in a meaningful way. He won’t even admit that it heralds more threats to the state’s 127 miles of coastline. Without acknowledging that, how can state officials do a better job planning for the next extreme weather event?

Yes, the Christie-Obama joint appearance was staged to an extent, and it had political value for both men. But it also offered a symbol of cooperation not seen often enough in American politics. It was a pleasant break from political rancor against the backdrop of a vacation destination that’s back on its feet and ready for the crowds.

Editorial, Pages 16 on 05/31/2013

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