The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (November 3, 2012) – Emergency Operations Center, Bethel, NY – Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Scott B. Samuelson today sent an open letter to the Chief Executive Officers of New York State Electric and Gas, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Central Hudson, Time Warner Cable, Verizon Communications, and Frontier Communications, requesting a round-table discussion on the preparedness of the companies on storm response.

“This is not a witch-hunt,” said Assemblywoman Gunther. “This is about making sure that the communication between the utility companies, the public, and government officials during Hurricane Sandy is greatly improved for any future natural disaster.” said Gunther. “The Utilities had time to prepare for this storm, but their response indicates that they did not. There’s a responsibility to the public that needs to be met, and this round-table discussion is about making sure that it is.”

“There were positive actions that the County requested from the power companies, which were fulfilled after an original weak response,” said Samuelson. There is a need for a representative of each utility to be present at our Emergency Operations Center during an event to pair public works crews with utility vehicles,” added Samuelson.

“The workers that have responded to assist our residents are working hard, and we thank them. However, there needs to be a more focused and results oriented response, along with accountability from the Corporate leaders of these companies,” concluded Samuelson.