Power and Accountability: Westchester

YORKTOWN, NY — Westchester County Executive George Latimer and a host of local and state officials held a briefing Thursday at midday about the aftermath of two nor'easters. Northern Westchester bore the brunt of both in terms of storm damage, specially downed trees and power outages.

"We're dealing here so that you can understand that as we talk statistics we're talking about human beings," Latimer said, pointing out that people's lives have been disrupted for a week.

Last night's snowstorm was a big step back.

At noon Wednesday the number of people without power had dropped to 26,000 across New York State. By Thursday morning it was back up, to 155,000, according to state Director of Operations Kathy Calhoun, who also spoke at the press conference.

She reminded residents about the New York State hotline 866-697-2434 for comments, requests, needs.

"What progress had been made has to a great extent been undone," Latimer said.

• 29,653 Con Ed customers in Westchester without power on Thursday
• 18,059 NYSEG customers in Westchester without power on Thursday

And while he said "no one blames any specific individual for Mother Nature," Latimer faulted senior executives at the utility companies for shirking their responsibility. "I'm critical of those in suits and corporate boardrooms."

As for the people on the line, both the local staff and the many from far away including Texas, Indiana, Wisconsin, Canada, "We have a debt of gratitude we will express," he said.

He also praised local public works employees and first responders. "These are the moments you pay your taxes for," he said.

County centers will continue to be open for people without power, he said.

Video via Official Westchester Gov Videos