TV ads may be fraudulent use of FEMA funds

Yes, we were stronger than the storm, but not stronger than the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and not strong enough to withstand the flood of TV ads paid for with $25 million in federal disaster aid that should have gone to victims (“Christie Gets Star Billing in State’s Tourism Ads,” Asbury Park Press, May 17).

My 89-year-old World War II veteran uncle was flooded out by Sandy. I was strong enough to drag out the wet furniture, pack what was dry, relocate him and begin to rebuild.

He was strong enough to start a new life away from the ocean, but neither of us was strong enough to continue to fight FEMA for relocation funds after the third denial because the premises were supposedly habitable, despite having no floors, walls or electricity.

It adds insult to injury to know that $25 million in federal taxpayers’ money for Sandy victims has been diverted to fund TV ads.

I have no strength left, but I am tempted to call the Sandy Fraud Hotline to report this fraud. Maybe someone there is stronger than the storm, which would follow if it were demanded that the taxpayers be repaid for this fraudulent use of their money for a self-serving commercial campaign. Barbara Gonos West Long Branch