05/07/2007, for immediate release.

Contact:

Tim Judson (315) 425-0430

SYRACUSE, NY- This afternoon, the Syracuse Common Council passed an amendment to the 2007-2008 Syracuse City Budget to fund a Public Power Feasibility Study. The study will provide a detailed analysis of Syracuse’s energy needs and evaluate ways in which a municipally owned, nonprofit utility would meet them. The study will also analyze the economic benefits of Public Power, and explore potential green energy alternatives.

For over a year, the people of Syracuse have expressed their dissatisfaction with the high rates and poor service provided by National Grid, and called for action on the part of the City. The CNY Public Power Coalition launched a campaign to educate citizens and Common Councilors about the benefits Public Power could provide. Today’s amendment shows that the Council has heard the voice of the people. Coalition members spoke at today’s meeting to thank the Councilors and citizens of Syracuse for having the vision to imagine a better future for Syracuse.

Now, the people of Syracuse must take steps to make sure the allocated funds are spent in a manner that represents the public interest. The CNY Public Power Coalition will facilitate the creation of a citizen “watchdog” board to supervise the feasibility study process. The Coalition also reiterates its request for a meeting with Mayor Driscoll, who has thus far declined to meet personally with the Coalition.

Passage of the amendment represents an example of democracy working in Syracuse. However, budgeting funds for the Public Power Feasibility Study is only the first step. Citizens, businesses, and our elected representatives must make a firm commitment to work together on behalf of the collective good.