Posted by Dennis Herrick on May 11, 2009 at 21:46:58:
My favorite song this week is Dennis Leary's "I'm An Asshole!", because I'm sure that's how Unitil feels about me. I have absolutely no qualms whatsoever sinking to their level and stabbing them in the back at every opportunity. After all, justice in this society as all about eyes for eyes and a teeth for teeth.
I just got back from our protest today at the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities at 1 South Station in Boston. The Attorney General's Office, the DPU, the Town of Lunenburg and Attorney Ed Howard will be barbequing Unitil for most of the week.
And what a breath of fresh air it was, compared to our treatment in Hampton, NH. when we attempted to protest at the Unitil Shareholders meeting last month. We were treated like roalty in Boston. We were given an escort right up to Hearing Room A and we were allowed to bring our protest signs right into the visitors gallery with us. The only requirement was, remain quiet and respectful at all times or we'd be removed.
I tried to stay away from the media as much as possible. After all it was Fitchburg, Lunenburg,Townsend and Ashby's day, not Herrick's day. However, during one of the breaks the newspapers and TVs lined up for interviews. George Gantz, Unitil's Vice President of Service and Communications ran right over to Channel 7 News. One of our protesters, Mike, decided to strategically position us right behind George. So while he talked to the Sentinel and Enterprise reporter, I tried to ham the Channel 7 News camera. Nothing overt like giving George rabbit ears or making goose sounds, but just making my presence know.
I brought a sign with me and I left it out in the hall facing the DPU Commissioners through the window blinds. It said, "HOLD UNITIL'S FEET TO THE FIRE". I think that's what Plaistow Selectman John Sherman said in a recent Selectmen' meeting. I thought it was catchy. Someone else didn't agree. When we came back from lunch, it had been moved out of the commissioners' view.
All in all, a very good day. Lawyer's from the Attorney General's Office thanked us for coming. They said the DPU Commissioners always take notice when the public attends the hearings. I hope they were serious and not just amused by our presence. Much of the hearing was like watching paint dry.
Click the link "Herrick The Ham" below. It's about 2 minutes in. If the video doesn't start automatically, scroll down the video menue on the left side and click "Ice Storm Clean-Up Begins As Power Company Faces Angry ...