Assembly Republicans Amy H. Handlin and Declan O’Scanlon, both R-Monmouth, issued the following statements on the hearings into contractors used to haul Hurricane Sandy debris.

Assemblywoman Amy H. Handlin, R-Monmouth:

“Sandy’s carnage left unimaginable debris in our state and because of Governor Christie more than 8 million cubic yards –  a volume that boggles the mind – have been removed from our communities within 100 days. Partisan objections to this contract, which was competitively-bid to a company that by all accounts has performed exceedingly well, are arguments for a slower recovery.

“Those who actually suffered through Sandy have had more than enough storms in their lifetime without having to deal with a pointless political firestorm.”

Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth:

“We represent towns that were among the hardest hit by Sandy and during those initial days of complete and total insanity, local officials viewed the AshBritt contract as a godsend because it offered a quick option to get rid of massive amounts of debris. New Jersey’s mayors are not shy to criticize and I have not met one who has not been absolutely thrilled with AshBritt’s performance.

“The company has an extensive track record of obtaining full reimbursement from the federal government and when our restoration is complete, the only ones with a mess to clean up will be  the politicians who tainted the shore’s recovery with politics.”