Out Of Power, Out Of Time

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, many homes throughout the area – especially in the ravaged sections of the Rockaways – are still without power. No one is happy with this situation, from the people without power to the elected officials fighting for their constituents.

  Many elected officials have been vocal since the storm passed, looking for answers from Con Edison and the Long Island Power Authority. Unfortunately, almost three weeks later, many questions still remain and tens of thousands of customers are left without power.

  While we praise the efforts of the linemen who have worked tirelessly to make repairs, the leadership of these companies leave a lot to be desired, especially LIPA, which has not only left nearly 30,000 customers in Queens without power as winter begins but has also seemingly refused to communicate with its customers.

  It is clear that a restructuring of the authority needs to take place. The recent resignation of LIPA chief operating officer Mike Hervey is a step in the right direction. The question remains, however, why did it take a disaster to begin to enact change? During his campaign, Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for reform of LIPA. In the two years since Cuomo has been in office, why has nothing been done?

  LIPA of course should be held accountable for its failings in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, but we should also be looking at our Governor and ask him why he failed to act on this campaign pledge.