The Mid-Hudson News Network reports in The Daily Freeman that several Hudson Valley officials spoke out at a Public Service Commission public hearing Aug. 11, calling for fair distribution of broadband connectivity across all of New York state. Kingston Mayor Shayne Gallo criticized the PSC for not holding more geographically diverse hearings, saying, “I’m respectfully requesting that the Public Service Commission hold hearings over on the other side of the river.” Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, from Sullivan County, said, “Broadband is the party line of the 21st century.... It is not a privilege or a luxury. It is a basic service that all people in the state of New York, regardless of whether they live in Sullivan or Suffolk, Westchester or Warren, have the right to have access to.” The Public Service Commission continues to accept public comment on broadband internet service through Aug. 15. Citizens may submit comments in writing to Kathleen Burgess at secretary@dps.ny.gov or may call the Public Service Commission opinion line at (800) 335-2120. Read the full story in The Daily Freeman.