I have been trying to contact verizon-very difficult to speak to a person-

[davpho]

I would like to speak to a person from verizon

[jonjones1]

Call 1-800-VERIZON 

that is the number to speak to them.

since you are in NY state you can contact the following website 

http://www.dps.ny.gov 

they have a toll free number to receive your complaint.

and an online complaint service.

You will need to give them a phone number you can be reached at. They regulate Verizon and will get you in touch with Verizon executive escalations.

they call back fairly quickly.

Good Luck