Letter to the Editor: BPU Shows True Colors With SJ Pipeline

Dear Editor:

It is very hard to imagine a more corrupt governmental body then the NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU).It is a major reason for the perception of NJ being the “Soprano” State.

My low opinion of this organization comes from having a front row seat to their recent ‘rubber stamping’ of the SJ Gas Pipeline through the Pine Lands.

It all began with an announced public hearing on June 17 in Upper Township to be chaired by a BPU Commissioner. Commissioner Joseph Fiordaliso arrived more than an hour late, but his apologies and warmth neutralized any public anger.

The Commissioner assured the 100+ attendees that their presence was very appreciated by him; anything the people had to say would be recorded and was important in the decision by the full BPU Commission. With his additional assurance that he would not gavel any citizen making a statement the public were totally empowered and inspired to speak their hearts.

After more than four hours of testimony, over 60 private citizens provided unique and original thoughts opposing the SJ Gas pipeline. In contrast, six spoke in support, including two Upper Committeemen, three Chamber of Commerce reps and the President of the BL England workers’ union. For these six, their salary and job requirements seemed the basis of their support. This contrasted with the 60+ people opposed who had no such agendas.

With people assuming that Commissioner Fiordaliso was a man of integrity, the public became optimistic that the pipeline would now be slowed if not outright stopped by the BPU.

Lo and behold at the July 22 BPU meeting, the pipeline was unanimously approved without any need for a public discussion.

Thus Mr. Fiordaliso revealed himself as being nothing more than a smooth talking con man. His salary and each of his fellows BPU’ers is more than $140,000 from citizens’ taxes. It is clear that they “earn” their money by deceiving the public they are supposed to serve. Their “service” is rubber stamping whatever their political bosses work out with their corporate donors thus hiding the fingerprints of our pipe pushing political “leaders” Christie, Sweeney and Van Drew.

If I could ask Mr. Fiordaliso and his BPU colleagues one question it would be: “How do you sleep at night.”

Sincerely yours,

Steven Fenichel,MD