New York, NY – Assemblymember David I. Weprin (D-Queens) held a press conference on Sunday, November 14, 2010 on the steps of City Hall, regarding the recent water rate hikes by the New York City Water Board.

Since 2007, the New York City Water Board has consistently raised water rates by double digit percentages, most recently in July of this year. Assemblymember Weprin calls for greater accountability and transparency on the part of the Water Board.

On June 24, 2010, the New York State Assembly passed Assemblymember Weprin’s bill that would amend the public authorities law to reform the composition of the Water Board. Currently, the Water Board is comprised strictly of Mayoral appointees. Assemblyman Weprin’s reform would remove control of the current board from the Mayor by dividing the member appointments. The bill has been introduced by Sen. Bill Perkins (D-Manhattan) in the Senate and is currently pending in the Rules Committee.

Assemblyman Weprin urges concerned constitutes to contact their State Senators to move the bill in that chamber.