A ten-member panel, headed up by Cooley Law Professor Mike McDaniel, has now been chosen to look into the response of the Lansing Board of Water and Light during last month's ice storm.  And they promise answers by the end of March.

Panelists include representatives from Lansing, East Lansing, Meridian and Delta Townships, the Michigan State Police and the state's Public Service Commission.  They'll hold forums in the next three months and report findings back to Mayor Virg Bernaro along with recommedations for improvement.

Understaffing and lack of a plan are being blamed for leaving thousands of residents in the dark during the storm in late December that downed trees and powerlines all over the mid Michigan area.  Some were without service for more than a week.

The absence of General Manager Peter Lark, who left the state shortly after the storm hit to visit family in New York, also--residents say--complicated the issue and forced them to consider whether a change at the top of the Board of Water and Light is necessary to regain their trust.

In addition to those offciially named to the panel, others will be volunteering their time to help in scheduling the meetings and forums and monitoring progress.  There is no word yet on when the public events will be held, but officials say there will be plenty of chances for those affected by the ice storm to have their concerns heard before the panel completes its job in March..

 

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