Democrats and advocacy groups bash PSC

The board is “packed with unqualified candidates”

By FRITZ MAYER

ALBANY, NY - The agency that will rule first on whether or not the controversial power line project will be built in New York is under fire from Democrats and others who charge that the commission is ill prepared to fulfill its energy oversight role.

Attorney General candidate Sean Patrick Maloney, in particular, attacked members of the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) and singled out the newest commission member, Cheryl Buley. Buley is a former public relations executive, who married lobbyist Jeff Buley, who donated heavily to Republican candidates. Maloney said Buley, who is vice chairwoman of the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding Fund, does not have any experience that qualifies her to perform PSC board duties.

The board sets utility rates and provides energy and telecommunications oversight. Governor George Pataki appoints the members, but the agency is set up to act as an independent body.

Liam Arbetman, of the public advocacy group Common Cause NY, said the commission is not really independent. He said Pataki appointed four of the five current board members and all four have made campaign contributions to NY Republican candidates in recent years. “Governor Pataki has packed the board with political allies and supporters, who share the governor’s views on many issues,” he said. Arbetman said the panel is actively seeking to reduce its regulatory role in some areas, in conformity with the conservative agenda that seeks less governmental regulation.

Criticism has also come from Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, who is running for governor. Two weeks ago, after blackouts in New York City that left 100,000 Con Edison customers in the dark, Spitzer said “the Public Service Commission’s oversight of the utility has been wholly inadequate.”

In testimony given at a state assembly public hearing, Spitzer said, “Appointment to the PSC of commissioners who have no experience, knowledge or expertise about either energy or telecommunications, the very matters the PSC regulates, are cause for great concern about whether that agency is equipped to handle this difficult crisis.”

The governor’s office does not share that view. Spokesman Peter Constantakes issued a statement to the Associated Press news service saying, “The PSC has done an outstanding job ensuring that we have the energy supplies to meet the state’s record energy demands.”

The PSC recently rejected the application of New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI) to build power lines through seven New York counties. The agency has required the company to provide additional information before proceeding with the application process.

The New York Public Service Commission board

· PSC chairman William Flynn

Salary: $127,000

Flynn is a Republican and an attorney. He is a former president of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and worked for former state Attorney General Dennis Vacco.

Since 2000, Flynn has given $4,305 in political contributions, all to Governor Pataki, who appointed him to the commission.

· Commissioner Maureen Harris

Salary: $109,800

Harris is an attorney and a Republican. She is the sister of Michael Finnegan, longtime friend and former top counsel to Governor Pataki.

Since 2000, Harris has given $10,400 to Republican political candidates.

· Commissioner Cheryl Buley

Salary: $109,800

Buley is a public relations executive, an appointee to the NYS Racing and Wagering Board (RWB) and wife of Republican lobbyist Jeff Buley. A longtime Republican, Cheryl Buley re-registered with no party affiliation to become eligible for a Pataki appointment to the RWB.

Since 2000, Cheryl Buley has given $650 to Republicans, and her husband, Jeff, contributed $26,024 to Republican candidates. Jeff Buley’s lobbying firm contributed $2,200 to Republican candidates, and $1,000 to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Sliver’s campaign committee. Buley’s firm is now part of the Pirro Group owned by Al Pirro, the husband of attorney general candidate Jeanine Pirro.

· Commissioner Patricia Acampora

Salary: $109,800

Acampora is a former Republican assembly member. Since 2000, Acampora’s assembly campaign committees contributed $186,466.76 to political candidates.

· Commissioner Robert Curry

Salary: $109,800

Curry is an attorney and a Democrat.

Since 2000, Curry has not contributed to political candidates.