NJ mayor calls out Gov. Christie for storm response

WOOLWICH TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Frustration is growing for the thousands of New Jersey residents dealing with power outages and storm damage.

In Gloucester County, one town's mayor called out Gov. Chris Christie on Sunday afternoon.

Gov. Christie was quickly on the scene when Super Storm Sandy devastated the eastern Jersey coast.

But last week, after tornadoes strength winds and downpours hit the western side of the state, leaders say the governor was nowhere to be seen.

"As a fellow Republican, I have been good to him from day one. Our township has been good to him. The governor has repaid us by forgetting us in our time of need," said Mayor George Shivery, Greenwich Township.

Power was knocked out for hundreds of thousands of customers after Tuesday night's storm.

And Saturday's weather caused an estimated 16,000 new outrages.

Megan Crowne and her neighbors in Gloucester Township just got power Sunday after being without it for five days.

"It was horrible, we feel like we were forgotten," said Crowne.

It's estimated that about 5,000 customers still do not have electricity, although Atlantic City Electric has been calling in extra crews to complete the repairs.

"Christie was out there, for us this was as bad as Sandy," said Crowne.

Now Mayor Shivery is calling on Gov. Christie to do his part to come to his state's aid.

"I haven't seen anyone from FEMA. Members of council are standing with me - they haven't seen anyone from FEMA. Communication has been terrible during the crisis and it is unacceptable," said Mayor Shivery.

Area leaders estimate there is about $7.5 million dollars of damage in the County. A disaster declaration could bring much needed money in to help businesses, homeowners, and municipalities to get back on their feet.

Gov. Christie is expected to announce his presidential bid on Tuesday.

In a press release he said about 99 percent of the power has been restored and he is monitoring the situation.

But that's not enough of a response for those who were hit hardest by the storm.

"Twenty-five percent of the people in Greenwich are still without power," said Mayor Shivery.

That last 1 percent of Atlantic City Electric customers who are still without power are expected to have it restored by some time Monday morning.

The mayor says, if it was five years ago he would have stood beside the governor as he announces his presidential bid. But now Mayor Shivery says he is going to standing right here helping his residents rebuild their lives.