People can call it a photo op all they want, but I think for many Staten Islanders, the President's visit today was comforting and encouraging. He reassured New Yorkers the federal government will be with them until the rebuilding is complete. I found him to be compassionate and confident today, and I appreciate him coming to see some of the damage himself.

President Obama, Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg witnessed some of the hardest hit areas of New York City firsthand today. The men, along with Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, took a helicopter tour over the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, before visiting Staten Island.

On Staten Island, Obama met with residents at an emergency response center in New Dorp. The President says FEMA will remain in the city as long as it takes to get people back on their feet. Cuomo is requesting $30 billion in federal aid to rebuild.

What's your reaction to President Obama's visit to Staten Island? Has the federal emergency response been effective? How would you grade President Obama, Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg for their handling of Sandy?

Send your thoughts using the link above.

I think the president, mayor and governor handled the storm damage and its aftermath effectively, however the city and state need to be better prepared for evacuating people especially those with special needs such as the elderly and handicapped who became stuck for days in apartments without heat and electricity.

Felix Bay Ridge

I hate to be so critical but where have these politicians been. Our neighbors are living in squalor and to break it down, no food, water, electricity, under garments, socks, personal hygiene articles, and being left in the dark from 5pm until the sun comes up and only on a nice day. Not to even mention being so scarred that they also fear the looters that are out and about.

Remember they have no windows, doors and no locks. The women even were doing heavy work to rid the soggy sheet rock and corroded wood and whatever debris that was lying around. The politicians come just for photo ops and when they leave what happens.
As each day goes by they realize just what happened and again I say we all came very close to being in their situation. Just another note any business' that could open jacked up the prices.

COME ON NOW=ARE WE TO RESPECT THESE POLITICIANS I HAVE SEEN THE BRONX BOOR PRESIDENT ALL OVER THE PLACE PROMOTING PARTIES AND DIFFERENT GATHERINGS AND JUST ANOTHER GOOD FOR NOTHING POLITICIAN THAT HAS CARTE BLANCHE WITH OUR MONEY=FINALLY I DID SEE HIM AND HE WAS PROMOTING BRONX RESTAURANT WEEK.

[YOU CAN'T MAKE IT UP]

I HAVE NO USE FOR ANY OF THEM AND I BELIEVE IN MY MIND WHOM GETS THE FREE BEES ARE IN THAT SECRET SOCIETY.

Maxine
MP

While I was not personally impacted by Sandy, I am grateful that most people were helped via Red Cross, neighbors, FEMA and volunteers, unlike Katrina where there wasn't any help of any kind for about 5 days and several people lost their lives. This was a catastrophic storm and it will take time for NY & NJ to recover.

Joyce
Springfield Gardens

These are all toxic politicians out to steal as much money as possible from the Peters of the world who have earned it to give to the Pauls of the world who have not.

Send them back where they came from ASAP.

Joe
Port Richmond, SI

It was good that President Obama came to tour the devastation in our area. He was very sincere when he spoke with some of the residents of Staten Island. He,Governor Cuomo ,and Mayor Bloomberg have done a good job dealing with this major catastrophe However,I think it would be better if the mayor would be more visible throughout different areas of the city,to be more in contact with the people. He should be going out every day to a different part of the city to survey storm damage and to talk with the people.

John

I do believe that President Obama was sincerely concerned for the people. Glad to see that he came out to view the damage for himself.

Mary
Jamaica, Queens, NY

Although I was not greatly impacted by Hurricane Sandy, I feel that President Obama's visit to Staten Island and his viewing of the surrounding areas was critical. The devastation that was incurred there and elsewhere was/is unimaginable. President Obama has handled Hurricane Sandy from the onset with his first visit with Governor Christie in N.J. and now to New York City with commitment, genuine care and sympathy for the people that have just been so severely impacted by this storm. I believe that he has done and will do everything in his power to obtain federal funds and to the rebuilding of this area. Somehow when you see him and listen to him speak, you begin to feel strong and uplifted -- he does this like no other politician can.

Although seeing this devastation is very hard, President Obama has inspired me to volunteer more of my time. I do feel that Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg have been effective during this Hurricane and I commend NY1 for not letting up on the coverage of Hurricane Sandy.

Lisa
Upper East Side

I first want to say thank God for your program, we can speak out and vent and we are made to feel like we have a voice and someone out there cares.

I was thrilled that President Obama visited NYC today. I feel his appearance shows that he is concerned and truly wants to get things going forward.

As far as bloomberg is concerned he is as phony as they can come, he is insensitive and a boar and he is all about the almighty dollar.

Cuomo appears to be concerned but frustrated. Down hear in Loisiada fourth st. between avenue B and C there is no phone service.

Verizon says they are working on it, come on Verizon hurry up.

Vinny
ALPHABET CITY

I find it absolutely disguising that everyone is raving about the government response to this devastation ; however who is regulating the insurance companies ? After years of paying insurance dues diligently we are now old that something we paid for - storm damage isn't covered and as a matter of fact not only is it not covered but we aren't entitled to anything. How are we supposed to rebuild ? And why is it that depending in the adjuster you get , your claim either gets approved or denied ? The is insurance companies have too much freedom is deciding our fate.

Lana

I think all three levels of government are doing their best for New York City and the storm victims. The President coming here is good, and serves as support and morale booster.

The mayor openly said earlier that the timing wasn't right, because he didn't wanted to divert police presence and resources, which is understood. But, apparently Rudy Guliani did hear that, because right before the election, he went on the air, in a Pierce Morgan interview and blasted the President for not coming sooner.

Kevin, The Bronx

cold, without sufficient food. That has happened and it is reprehensible. Bloomberg delayed federal response; and FEMA requires an invitation from local government. But they too are failing and creating a tragedy.

Mike

A management firm in Brooklyn bpc Management together with the owners of Marine Park Housing has opened up, to residents in need, 60 apartments for rental purposes until they can return back to their homes.

What a great gesture on their part.

Scorpion

Thank you for letting the people voice their concerns and opinions. It is greatly appreciated. However, as stated repeatedly, residents from Manhattan don't see what special treatment they receive. King Bloomberg is insensitive and thinks he is God's gift to NY. He needs to be removed from office and replaced with someone like Guliani.

Ms. Rivera,
Long Island, NY