Governor Christie Visits New Jersey School Hit Hard By Sandy
By Robin Rieger
STONE HARBOR, N.J. (CBS) -- "Glad to be back in your school?" asked Governor Christie.
"Yes," answered a group of Stone Harbor Elementary School students.
The question and answer session between students and Governor Christie at Stone Harbor Elementary School Wednesday garnered all who participated an "A."
Students had just returned to their school after repairs were made following Superstorm Sandy. They had plenty of questions for their guest of honor.
"Is it hard being the governor?" asked one little boy.
"Sometimes it's hard being the governor. It was really hard during the hurricane,"
answered Christie.
The governor was in South Jersey to visit the school and celebrate its reopening. Seven other schools damaged by Sandy remain closed.
"We're really proud of the folks here in Stone Harbor for being the first to get their kids back in their neighborhood school," Christie said.
The governor says a return to normalcy is necessary for the state's students and for shore communities devastated by Superstorm Sandy. All are in the process of rebuilding and preparing for the summer season.
Governor Christie says an aggressive marketing campaign with $25 million in federal funds will let people know the Jersey Shore will be open for business.
"For instance, south of Long Beach Island like where we are here. These communities are going to be absolutely ready and really people are not going to see much of a difference from what they saw in 2012," said Christie.
The governor also appeared at the annual tourism conference in Atlantic City where speakers who survived Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans offered advice on ways to attract visitors after the storm. Ocean County Tourism Director Jeanne DiPaola says towns are starting early.
"Palm Sunday, Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant is having their Easter egg hunt and the rides will be reopening," said DiPaola.
She says some towns will also start selling their seasonal beach tags soon.
