Con Edison Phones It in While Astoria Swelters
Friday July 21, 2006
Contrary to reports all this week, almost 100,000 people have had no power for days this week in Astoria and other parts of western Queens. The original estimate of 2,000 without power was based on ConEd's estimate of phone call complaints. Give me a break!
"Not only did they drop the ball when the power went out, they’ve been absolutely reckless over the last four days in leveling with the public," said Councilman Eric Gioia of Queens. "We've got to get to the bottom of this."’A lot of people are steaming mad. They're so hot that they're hotter than the temperature in their apartments. Astorians.com has been a great resource for those suffering, providing a place for both complaining and tips on coping. The power failure - both blackout and brownout - may continue through the weekend!
What gets lots of people is that ConEd is to blame. It wasn't a flood or a bomb or a tornado that caused the failure. Why wasn't the power network shut down to prevent damage to the infrastructure? Responding to an earlier post, tipster Nick pinned the blame on ConEd's politico-serving VPs.
How are you coping without power or with little power? Sound off in our comments section.
- Blackout in Queens Affects Many More Than Estimated [NY Times]
- Power Failure [Astorians.com]
Comments
Assemblyman Michael Gianaris statement that Con Ed’s actions regarding the current blackout “have gone from reprehensible to criminal” is the most assinine grandstanding bullshit I have heard in eons. Like Con Ed WANTS the power out. Why do ladder-climbing ideological idiots like Assemblyman Michael Gianaris need to purvey such pap and make a bad situation worse? This shows he only has ambition, and no leadership qualities. Con Ed was sucker-punched by this power infrastructure failure, and Michael Gianaris, like all cowards, is jumping in to kick ‘em while they’re down. He is a political hack extrordinaire. Some things are simply not humanly possible, and Con Ed is doing all they can to fix the unexpected damage. You think this blackout is bad Mikey? Stayed tuned for what’s on the horizon for NY and the US, you dolt.
Mayor Bloomberg is reported to have said, “It will be done when it’s done” in reference to the repairs to the power failure. When did it become okay for the politicians we elect to address the public in this manner? I would expect a bit more compassion for those put out by this. In the last several months, have you noticed as I have that the voting public is being disregarded. Perhaps we the people need to revisit our rights and our power.
1) Bill – You must come directly from Con Edison’s Public Affairs Department, or the campaign office of Assemblyman Michael Gianaris’ opponent.
To make a political granstand on the suffering of those residents in northwest Queens is disgraceful.
2) Regina, you hit the nail on the head. The reason why we are talked to by our politicians in this manner is that with such statements they do not have to accept responsibility for their lack of action or knowledge. When they talk, they disregard the public’s situation so they have no need to accept any responsibility.
Did you see Con Edision’s Chairman Burke on TV today. His arrogance in his response to being asked if he should resign his position, is his way of ducking his responsibility for the crisis. He replied that he will get the power on and he will conduct an investigation!!!!!
What arrogance.
Its great that Con Edison has decided to reimburse us Astorians for our lost meat, only thing is do you honestly think we have kept our receipts thinking Con Edison would let something like this happen? Unfortunately for Con Edison, we have not. Con Edison should reimburse every person in Astoria anyway, not only for food, but also for the mental affects of it all. I’m awaiting my reimbursement form. I will keep everyone posted.
You have no idea how an network distribution system. If you don’t know what you are talking about, be quiet. Yeah, like an arrogant New Yorker doesn’t know what he is talking about. They always know what they’re talking about, especially when the don’t.