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Governor surveys tornado damage in Corfu

By WBTA News

If the Village of Corfu expects any state aid to help with tornado clean-up, it will have to prove it needs it.

New York Governor David Paterson this afternoon made a quick visit to Corfu along with State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The governor spoke with Corfu Mayor Todd Skeet in front of the Pedals and Plants Greenhouse on Route 33, a business that was destroyed by Saturday’s twister.

Paterson made the stop in Genesee County earlier this afternoon while en-route today between appearances in Buffalo and Rochester.

LISTEN: Governor Paterson speaks to Corfu residents

UPDATE (by Howard, 9:55 p.m.): Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator for Genesee County, and I spoke shortly after the governor's visit. He said state emergency officials will tour Corfu tomorrow to further assess the damage and the needs.

"The costs go up on a daily basis," Yaeger said, but declined to speculate on the estimated total cost at this point. 

The clean up work involves debris strewn over a three-mail area, fallen trees, damaged trees that need to be cut down and stumps that need to be removed. Yaeger also said the apartment building next to Petals and Plants is no longer inhabitable and the residents are being assisted by Red Cross.

Amy Davis

While our Steve looks directly at the rubble of the greenhouse, the Governor can't even see it. Such a shame, the "proof" is right in front of him.

Jul 29, 2009, 9:22pm Permalink
Daniel Jones

He's legally blind, and has some sight.

Using his disability to attack him, regardless of how you feel about his political decisions, is not right.

Jul 29, 2009, 9:39pm Permalink
DAVID MERRITT

We have all heard many,many times of all the damage and the buisnesses that were ruined, but has anyone asked or even wondered where the tenants have gone and what the amount of damage that was done to there apartments. I haven't heard anyone mention the 4 apartments that was in the Petals Greenhouse. It sure would be nice if someone was intrested enough in wondering how they are doing and where they had to go because of the damage to there apartments.I don't even think the media even knew there were apartments in the greenhouse.

Jul 29, 2009, 10:05pm Permalink
Peter O'Brien

Nice of Governor Magoo to stop instead of making a purposeful trip out. His lack of caring is evident in time it took him to come "see" the damage. If he hadn't had stop scheduled in Rochester and Buffalo would he have bothered at all?

Jul 29, 2009, 10:14pm Permalink
bud prevost

Governor Dave has it coming. You don't preach fiscal responsibility, claim a hiring freeze, then grow the government by spending money that my grandchildren haven't even earned yet! Rochester and Buffalo are neccessary evils to the job, the power of NYC and Albany being the real nectar of the fruit. And I say that fully aware that the republican party in this state is no better!

Change NY government before it cannibalizes itself.

Jul 30, 2009, 4:05am Permalink
Daniel Jones

Making fun of the guy for being blind is called for because you think he's doing a good job?

Seriously man?

Pathetic doesn't begin to describe it.

Jul 30, 2009, 7:03am Permalink
bud prevost

When you put yourself in the public spotlight, that comes with the territory. I would feel the same animosity towards him if he could see 20/20. How do I defend someone who tells me to tighten my belt, and expect to pay more, then go ahead and increase spending 10%? Seriously, he is a joke, and a career politician. And pathetic DOES begin to describe it....if you are asking about the job Paterson is doing!

Jul 30, 2009, 7:43am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

I've called him Governor Magoo for months and this is the first I've been called on it. Its an accurate association since both can somewhat see.

I get called 7 head all the time you don't see me whining.

Jul 30, 2009, 8:30am Permalink
Bea McManis

Posted by Tammy Way on July 30, 2009 - 8:08am
I'm not pleased with the governers job either but to make fun of him being blind is childish to the extreme. Get a life!!!!!!

Consider the source, shrug, and walk away. Not worth the bandwidth.

Jul 30, 2009, 9:10am Permalink
Jeff Allen

If I'm not mistaken, Gov. Paterson has made fun of his own disability on numerous occasions including his initial speech as our new governor. Perhaps when we make jest of our own shortcomings, we neutralize the stigma and level the playing field. What I don't agree with is someone making light of their own disability in order to engender themselves to their constituents and then rail on those who partake in the humor (Saturday Night Live skit)

Jul 30, 2009, 4:04pm Permalink
Daniel Jones

The fact that you all think it's acceptable to call someone a name and justify making fun of his disability because you disagree with his politics speaks for itself.

I need to say nothing more.

Jul 30, 2009, 9:16pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

OK, I looked it up on Urban Dictionary, and I am one!! Paterson better not call me that though.

7 head
A person with a high hairline at the top of their head, extending their forehead 3 numbers up. (Five head, Six head, Then Seven head.)

Jul 30, 2009, 9:42pm Permalink
Nathan Fix

I feel horrible for their loss I was Born and raised in Corfu but it was a green house made out of glass could you expect any different. You never throw stones in a glass house. It was a tornado no one got hurt that’s all that matters. Grate job Corfu and Darien you came together in time of need. Two grate communities.

Aug 2, 2009, 11:23am Permalink

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