Senate Leadership Says “No” to NYPA Bonuses, Rate Increases

Aubertine: Leadership means working with NYPA to demonstrate that now is not the right time

ALBANY (March 23, 2009)—State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine and several of his colleagues spoke out in opposition to rate increases and bonuses proposed by the New York Power Authority. Sen. Aubertine joined the Senate Energy Committee Chair Kevin Parker, Sens. William T. Stachowski, Antoine Thompson, David J. Valesky and Neil D. Breslin to say “No” to NYPA’s proposed bonuses and rate increases.

“Now is not the right time for what NYPA has proposed. It sends the wrong message to the public and to the state,” Sen. Aubertine said. “We cannot afford to increase the cost of living and the cost of doing business in New York State. My colleagues and I in the

Senate Majority have been gathering the facts and working with NYPA to show them that these rate increases are not needed and are bad for our families, businesses and the economy. This isn’t about telling them what to do through loud public spectacles, but working with them to achieve real results by showing them a better option.”

Sen. Aubertine later emphasized the need for respect when working with colleagues and state officials.

“Some have confused being loud with leadership,” Sen. Aubertine said. “We want our constituents to know that we are working for their interests, but not by beating our own chests and calling people names. Effective leadership means working with people to achieve real results. We’ve chosen to work with NYPA and we’re confident we will achieve results.”

The Senator said the proposals from NYPA have been around since last year and are unrelated to the use of unallocated power for a laboratory in Long Island and the appropriation of reserve revenue, much of which was set aside for the disposal of nuclear fuel rods at power plants no longer owned by NYPA, to help close the state’s budget gap.