Pataki names new head for PSC

NORWICH – With one month to go in his final term as governor, George Pataki decided not to yield at least one concession to the reform-claiming governor-elect, Eliot Spitzer.

Pataki went ahead and appointed a new chairperson to the state’s Public Service Commission Friday, replacing William Flynn, who resigned Thursday. According to a press release, Pataki named Patricia Acampora as the new head of the PSC, which is the agency charged with reviewing power line proposals such as the New York Regional Interconnection, which would traverse through 44 miles of Chenango County. Acampora is a former state Assemblywoman from Long Island and was – up until her promotion – one of five commissioners with the PSC.

“Commissioner Acampora’s legislative background and recent experience on the commission make her ideally suited to step into the role as chairwoman,” Governor Pataki said. “Pat has a long, distinguished career in public service and I am confident she will continue to serve the people of New York well in her new role.”

According to a spokesperson from the PSC, Spitzer will still be able to make his own choice once in office Jan. 1.

“He (Spitzer) would be able to retain her (Acampora) or appoint someone else,” said Gary Davidson, the PSC’s Director of Public Affairs.

A Spitzer representative declined comment.

Betsy Mahannah, a Woods Corners resident, said she hopes Acampora will personally consider how the www.evesun.com/topics/news/NYRI/">NYRI power line project – which would be built over her home on railroad right of ways roughly 40 feet from her back door – will affect the livelihoods of her neighbors and other homeowners in the communities along the proposed 200-mile-long route.

“Hopefully this new person is well aware of what’s happening, and aware of the concerns of the citizens along the 200 miles,” said Mahannah. “Hopefully they will come down here and see the people living here, see the communities, and see the what a disruption to their lives this line would be.”