Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto was on hand Saturday as LIPA protesters filled Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa.
Their anger at the utility was clear as some residents have been without power since Hurricane Sandy struck Oct. 29.
Venditto's frustration stems from a lack of communication with LIPA. His words were simple and searing.
"LIPA has totally failed us," the supervisor said.
The protest came on the same day that Massapequa Park Mayor James Altadonna reported that full power had finally been restored to the village.
It was little consolation to those still in the dark. There are still 64,000 LIPA customers without power in Nassau, including more than 20,000 in the Town of Oyster Bay.
From my view, LIPA needs new management with vision, principles, intelligence and talent. Not people like CEO Michael Hervey who hide behind excuses, ignore customer needs and lack the skills to do advanced preparedness and response for future crises like Sandy. This type protest is a great idea. To hold LIPA accountable, you can also sign the petition at: http://www.signon.org/sign/hold-lipa-accountable?source=homepage Long Islanders deserve better LIPA management - remember, you are paying for these services that you are not getting after days in the dark. Don't be silent on this issue, speak out to the right people and be heard!
LIPA claims that 90% of homes have been restored, but we all know that is a lie. Their systems are so antiquated they have no actual idea how many homes are without power. To understand just how negligent LIPA is and how outdated their systems are, read this article in Newsday. http://www.newsday.com/long-island/why-lipa-failed-utility-ignored-warnings-it-wasn-t-ready-for-major-storm-1.4203976 The governor and our local politicians had the chance to provide meaningful oversight of LIPA after its miserable response to hurricane Irene last year. The politicians gave us nothing but hot air. We needed action and now we demand reliable electricity! It is time for the homeowners on Long Island to band together in protest and have our voices heard! The Buck Stops Here! I propose that for the remainder of calendar year 2012 LIPA customers refuse to pay our LIPA bills in full. I propose we send LIPA a check for exactly ONE DOLLAR. By paying just one dollar we send a message to LIPA that is louder and stronger then any petition or letter righting campaign. If enough of us send only a buck, I am confident that we will not only force change in LIPA, we will get the attention of local politicians as well. To learn more about the protest join our facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/224943150969118/ Gary B
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-island-now-1.1732330/reports-class-action-to-be-filed-against-lipa-1.4217065.
2) ZERO pooling or coordination of TOB - LIPA and Nassau County - the TOB cleaned our neighborhood in one day - BUT would not clean Wash Ave becasue it is a county road !!!! so it meant nothing - imagaine if these bozoos pooled their equipment and resources - !!!