Assemblymember Cahill Meets With Central Hudson and Fortis, Inc. to Discuss Proposed Merger

May 14, 2013

Kingston, New York – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D - Ulster, Dutchess) met with representatives of Central Hudson and Fortis, Inc. this morning at his District Office in Kingston.

“Our office has an open door policy. We do not discriminate against people with different points of view when it comes to meeting with the public,” said Cahill. “Upon Central Hudson’s request, I invited Steve Lant, Anthony Campagiorni, Jim Laurito and Barry Perry to my office to discuss their proposal for selling our local utility to the Canadian based Fortis. It was my understanding they were meeting with several Legislators throughout this week. I took this as an opportunity to talk freely with individuals from both companies. I have a longstanding relationship with Central Hudson and look forward to it continuing in the future. Throughout our discussion I let my record speak for itself; I have always been and will remain an advocate for the ratepayers.”

Assemblymember Cahill, who was one of the first to respond to the proposal over a year ago, stated his positions from the beginning, making it clear that this package was unfriendly to both consumers and Central Hudson employees and should be rejected.

“Although I appreciate them reaching out, my view of the proposal has not changed. Absent the inclusion of a favorable Community Benefit Fund, including a Permanent Fund that will help those who are experiencing financial hardship, a labor agreement that has a long term plan for the workforce, indemnification against NAFTA and a commitment to a rate freeze period as well as the use of new renewables, this plan will not be sufficient. I urge the public to continue to register their views as the matter proceeds to final consideration by the Public Service Commission,” said Cahill.

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