The New York Power Authority has come under fire for its proposed rate hikes and the reported $3 million in bonuses that some NYPA employees are set to receive. The outrage has led to an open letter being sent from Governor David Paterson to NYPA CEO Richard Kessel.
Members of the New York State Senate have also expressed their disappointment. Today, the Senate Energy Committee held a press conference on this important issue.
Sen. Neil Breslin had some great remarks on the matter, including his own wishes that there will be no rate hikes from NYPA, which NYPA says are mandated by law because costs have increased, and he hopes that the NYPA bonuses will not be handed out either.
Here is the video of Breslin's remarks:
The press conference also featured a surprise appearance by Sen. George Maziarz. Maziarz has been outspoken in his criticism of NYPA. He sent his e-mail list a message last week with the subject line, "Harsh words from Senator Maziarz regarding electric rate increases."
Here is a video of Maziarz's remarks on NYPA:
The debate about NYPA has led to bi-partisan support and teamwork against NYPA's proposed rate increase and criticism of the bonuses that they want to hand out. This is a good thing. NYPA needs to feel the pressure. We need to see prompt action against NYPA so that we can avoid these rate hikes and not see those bonuses handed out.
