Rumana: Shore Towns are on Their Way Back

Editor’s Note: Assemblyman Scott Rumana wrote the following editorial. 

Recently, I went on vacation with my family. I did not go to the Outer Banks in North Carolina or Cape Cod in Massachusetts. We spent our time enjoying the Jersey Shore, in particular, Sea Girt, Belmar, and Spring Lake. What many would have thought to be impossible in the aftermath of Super storm Sandy last October is more than a possibility – it is a reality.

In December, I toured the areas of Monmouth and Ocean counties with other legislators that felt the brunt of Sandy. Seeing news reports or pictures of what happened does not begin to explain the impact. An up-close view spoke more about the devastation than any picture or written word.

Yet, the communities that depend on tourism as a part of their revenue stream have shown remarkable resolve in their determination to rebound in such a short period of time.

Governor Christie has provided non-stop leadership helping towns rebuild from the destruction that some thought would take years to overcome. His efforts to promote the fact that the Shore is back sends a strong message to not only those who live in New Jersey, but to our surrounding states and the rest of the country as well.

Visitors to the beach towns stretching from Long Beach Island to Sandy Hook will be pleasantly surprised when they visit the Shore this summer. It is remarkable that what I saw just seven months ago is now the Shore as I remember.

It should be noted, however, that homeowners in these towns are still recovering from this once-in-a-lifetime storm. We cannot forget that some are still displaced from their houses and are waiting to return to some sense of normalcy.

The hot weather over the last several weeks has certainly made one think of enjoying a day at the beach, if not longer. While I was on vacation, it was encouraging to see people in the surf and patrons shopping. They know the Jersey Shore is open for business.

In fact, a recent report on Accuweather.com also noted that tourists had flocked to Jersey beaches during the recent heat wave that covered much of the Eastern Seaboard. If Shore communities had not made the remarkable comeback they have, visitors could have chosen another destination.

It cannot be understated how important this recovery is to the towns along the Shore as well as to the entire state. Tourism, especially in the summer, is an important part of our economy and must be revitalized. Having spent a week at the beach, I can say that good progress is being made.

I have spent my childhood years and those as a young adult appreciating that you don't have to leave our state to enjoy the ocean, boardwalk or good food. Now my family enjoys the same things I remember so vividly. It's worth a visit.

Rumana represents the 40th Legislative District, which includes Wayne. He is the state Assembly Republican Whip.