Gelinas: Long Islanders are still paying for three LIPA bailouts
Long Islanders aren't just paying for power. They're  Long
Islanders aren't just paying for power. They're paying for the
legacy of three bailouts. (Credit: Janet Hamlin)  Whether it was
AIG or Fannie Mae, bailouts have dominated the national economy
for the past half-decade, starting with the investment firm Bear
Stearns' government-engineered takeover five years ago this
week. But a legacy of bailouts shadows Long Island's cost of
living, too -- through the Long Island Power Authority.  When
Long Island residents and business owners open their electric
bills, they may wonder why they pay power bills among the
highest in the continental United States for service that is
less than stellar, as superstorm Sandy proved.  The reason is
simple: Long Islanders aren't just paying for power. They're
paying for the legacy of three bailouts.  CARTOONS: Jimmy
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