September 17, 2011
REP. JOHNSON SAYS LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS
ABOUT IRENE START NEXT WEEK
Twitter, Facebook Accounts Set Up for Those Unable to Attend Hartford Hearings
State Representative Susan Johnson said that the legislature will begin holding hearings investigating the quality and effectiveness of Connecticut's readiness and response to Tropical Storm Irene beginning next week.
Four committees of the General Assembly-Energy & Technology, Public Safety, Labor & Public Employees, and Planning & Development-will hold hearings on September 19th and 26th to hear from representatives and workers from electric, phone and internet companies, along with municipal officials and members of the general public.
"Eastern Connecticut really got hit hard by the storm. Windham residents want answers-and they deserve answers-about why CL& P took 8 days to restore power to some families and businesses in town, "said Johnson. "These hearings will be an opportunity to understand why our electric, phone and internet providers took so long to respond and to ensure that they are ready for the next storm."
Johnson, who sits on the Energy and Technology Committee, held a forum with Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) at Willimantic Town Hall last evening for residents to discuss how Tropical Storm Irene impacted them and suggestions about how utility companies can better respond in the future.
"I want to thank the many residents who shared their storm stories with us last night," said Johnson. "There is time set aside for the public to testify at the legislature about the storm and courage folks to participate. People may also submit official testimony using Facebook and Twitter if they cannot make it to Hartford."
House Democrats have set up Facebook and Twitter accounts at /www.facebook.com/pages/After-Irene-CT/262762473747233 and http://twitter.com/#!/AfterIreneCT to accept public comments and suggestions about experiences with the storm and the state's readiness for and response to it.
On September 19th, the hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. with representatives of CL&P, UI and municipal utilities, followed by municipal representatives and officials from telephone, cable and wireless utility companies. The hearing will conclude at 4:30 p.m.
On September 26th, members of the public will have the opportunity to appear before the committees beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by union representatives and the electric utility companies. Members of the public will have an additional chance for comment before the hearing closes that afternoon.
Susan Johnson is serving her second term representing Connecticut's 49th General Assembly District in Windham. She is Vice Chair of the state legislature's Insurance & Real Estate Committee.