NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 19, 2008
Media Contact: Jeff Harris or Jason Tomcsi, 317-635-5455
LONG THOMPSON, OXLEY CALL LEADERSHIP IN RESTORING POWER TO SOUTHERN INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS - Urging Governor Mitch Daniels to show some leadership, today Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley called for a review of the prolonged length of the time it has taken to restore power to thousands of homes and businesses in Southern Indiana.
Specifically, the Democratic nominees for Governor and Lieutenant Governor are urging Governor Daniels to instruct the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) to bring the matter before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) for a full review and assessment of what has occurred.
"Dennie and I have been traveling Southern Indiana for the last few days and just about everywhere we go, people are still without electricity," said Long Thompson. "It has been almost a week since storms came through southern Indiana and knocked out power. It is absurd that it has taken so long, Hoosiers deserve better than this."
"Governor Daniels should use his authority to review this matter immediately," added Long Thompson. "We want a full review of what has occurred so when Dennie and I are in office we can make sure it never happens again."
According to recent reports about 40,000 homes and business are still without power.
"We understand that no one can control the weather, but state government can partner with the utility companies to put in place procedures to deal with situations like this - and that's clearly not been done here," said Oxley, whose home in Crawford County has been without power since Sunday. "This is another example of Mitch Daniels falling down on the job. They have no plan for dealing with disturbances like this - and now southern Indiana residents are left to suffer while they try to figure it out."
The OUCC represents Hoosiers to ensure quality and reliable services from utility companies. The IURC is a fact-finding body that hears evidence in cases filed before it and makes decisions based on that evidence.
Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and was the first in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University. A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County.
Dennie Oxley is a 10-year veteran of the state legislature, currently serving as the Majority Whip in the Indiana House of Representatives. A former high school math teacher, school administrator and businessman, Oxley brings a wealth of public and private sector experience to the team. Oxley is a graduate of Indiana University Southeast, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community in Crawford County, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two young daughters.
For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com <http://www.hoosiersforjill.com> or call 317-635-Jill.
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