New Yorkers-See Where Your $$ Is Going

by Gary Snyder

The New York Independent Service Operator -- the nonprofit in charge of the state's power grid—is inflating salaries, first-class travel and lobster luncheons for the fat cats in charge. Facing a possible 12 percent boost in electricity costs next month, its leadership is not hurting. Its president and CEO, Stephen G. Whitley, pulled down $875,000 in salary and $489,000 in benefits in 2009, according to its most recent IRS filings. Board Chairwoman Karen Antion, a former Port Authority executive, raked in $377,700 in pay and perks. Six of NYISO's nine board members make more than $100,000 a year -- for just 14 hours of work a week, the tax filings say. At least 20 of NYISO's 500 employees were paid more than $200,000 in 2009, up from 16 in 2007, the IRS filings show.