STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (FEB. 27, 2013) — New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo lauded the College of Staten Island (CSI) while visiting the Willowbrook campus on Tuesday.
While delivering his “State of the State and Budget Message” at the college, the governor spoke about the condition of Staten Island in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and reviewed his 2013 statewide agenda.
During his speech, he said rebuilding isn’t nearly enough if you consider that climate change is a reality. The governor advised that we “rebuild smarter” and first determine whether specific areas are safe for rebuilding, or better suited for “repurposing.”
The governor, who also discussed buyouts of homes owned by Hurricane Sandy victims, took time to praise CSI.
Cuomo said he was echoing his father’s sentiments by referring to the college as “a jewel of the CUNY system.”
The governor was introduced by CSI senior Katherine Brigandi, an accounting finance and economics major. In addition to her studies, Ms. Brigandi is a research assistant with CUNY’s Social Policy Simulation Center.
Launched in 2009, the center supports analysis of complex social problems by utilizing advanced computer simulations. Ms. Brigandi’s work at the center involves the study of possible ways to avert a Sandy-like catastrophe in the future.
Ms. Brigandi explained that the researchers, working with information provided by FEMA, are interpreting maps to determine the pattern of damage on Staten Island. The results of the research will help to support Gov. Cuomo’s “rebuild smarter” plan.
Gov. Cuomo referred to Ms. Brigandi as “impressive” and suggested the possibility of her becoming “an accountant morphing into a politician, elected official.”
In addition to Gov. Cuomo and Ms. Brigandi, featured speakers at Tuesday’s event also included: CSI Interim President William J. Fritz, PhD; Borough President James Molinaro; Assemblyman Michael Cusick, and state Sen. Andrew Lanza.
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