PSC Commissioners Iberdrola Merger June 24, 2008 Letter by Don E. Sanford

To: Public Service Commission Members

After many months of listening to verbal and reading written testimony of facts pro and con, Judge Rafael Epstein and staff issued his fact finding recommendations that would ensure safe, reliable electric service at reasonable rates which was not the case provided in its original presentation by the Iberdrola/Energy East proposal since it would give it a virtual monopoly on the generation and distribution of NYS electricity if approved and was clearly not in the best interest of NYS public. Judge Epstein's report clearly wasn't well received by Senator Schumer, Gov Patterson and other entrenched politicians in Albany and Washington. Since we have all seen this disgraceful movie before of politics, money and backroom deals for special interest motives resulting in honorable intentions and goals left by the wayside, one can only hoped this time it will be different. But sadly once again dissatisfied individuals have begun the disgraceful smear and intimidation tactics seen in the media in an unashamed attempt to influence the PSC Commissioners and discredit the scholarly hard work of Judge Epstein and his unbiased recommendations and conclusions to protect all New Yorkers.

I urge The Public Service Commission Members not to be intimidated, pressure or influenced by desperate but common political tactics now being pursued by some. With Senator Schumer's pending private behind close doors meeting with PSC Chairman Gary Brown, he hopes this political pressure will result in a backdoor deal of his liking and if successful, short-circuiting and disregarding the views of all New Yorkers who testified against the Iberdrola/Energry East buy out as proposed and a tragic reversal of the positive recommendations presented to the NYS PSC by Judge Epstein. Public Service Commission Members: Make the right and honorable decision and show the deserved respect for the work of the Honorable Judge Epstein who knows this subject inside and out and NOT the career partisan politicians such as Senator Charles Schumer and others. Judge Epstein's work deserves nothing less. When your vote on the Iberdrola/Energy East matter is finally counted, stand up in favor of the facts as shown by Judge Epstein.

Thank You

Don E. Sandford
3668 Brown Hill Rd.
Cohocton, NY 14826