NORWICH – So far, elected officials have been the primary extenders – from the government level – of public opposition to the <a href="http://www.evesun.com/topics/news/NYRI/">NYRI</a> power line. But should local and state tax dollars be affording concerned residents more than just the support of area legislators?

According to Supervisor James Bays (D-Smyrna), state departments and agencies should also be reviewing the 400,000 volt New York Regional Interconnection, and advocating in the best interests of the citizens, businesses and organizations they represent along the proposed corridor.

“We’ve given a pass to the appointed officials in the executive branch who have the same responsibility as legislators to act in the interest of their constituency,” Bays said. “We’ve let the executive branch off the hook.”