Talk, talk, talk. We’re accustomed to politicians who deliver the rhetorical flourishes during the elections campaigns—witness the strident, ominous verbiage we’re hearing from the GOP candidate for NY State Senate district 42—but we’re surprised and pleased when our elected officials bring to office a long record of achievements and expertise in a field….and then work to act on their knowledge and promises.
Prior to her election in 2018, Senator Jen Metzger (D-Rosendale) was well-known as a founder of Citizens for Local Power, which fought utilities companies successfully to keep electric rates fair for customers. Since becoming a senator, she has continued to advocate for the interests of private citizens over the utilities’ profits. In the wake of tropical storm Isaias, she has urged Central Hudson to reimburse customers for losses suffered during power shutoffs.
Most significant have been her efforts during the COVID crisis. She co-sponsored and passed senate bill S8113A, which forbids utilities and municipalities from shutting off gas, electric, water, and phone services through March 31, 2021 and lets customers set up deferred payment plans without financial penalties.
Consistency, integrity. We can trust that Senator Metzger’s oversight of public utilities and defense of the public good will persist.
Publishing history:
Sullivan County Democrat River Reporter, Shawangunk Journal 9/17/20
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