the Controversial Committee Report
“We don’t raise sacred cows...we just butcher them.”
An Open Letter
TO: Irving City Council Members
Brad LaMorgese
Gerald Farris
Tom Spink
Oscar Ward
John Danish
Dennis Webb
Allan Meagher
Joe Putnam
FR: Mike Howard
cc: Beth Van Duyne, City Manager, City Secretary
SUBJ: Commitment of the City of Irving to Potential Cable Merger
A recent CCR report (9-7-14) discussed the potential merger between Time Warner and Comcast cable companies being considered by the Federal Communications Commission. The impact of this merger could have a chilling effect on cable subscribers in Irving.
While the mayor has stated her position (by signing a letter, with fifty-one other mayors, as provided by the US Conference of Mayors) for this merger on behalf of the city, it is only fair to inquire: As an elected member of the city council, do you agree with the position the mayor has taken as representing the city of Irving and your interest?
It is understood there has been no discussion and the council was not polled regarding this issue prior to the mayor signing on behalf of the city.
Please reply directly to this e-mail with your responses. The information will be accumulated, compiled and included in a report to the CCR readership list. As tax payers and cable subscribers, citizens need to know where their elected officials stand on an issue of this magnitude which effects their personal income and Internet communications freedom.
Do you support the merger of the Time Warner and Comcast cable companies?
Yes / No
Comments:
Do you believe there should be Net Neutrality for all Internet users regardless of service provider?*
Yes / No
Comments:
Should the entire council have voted on a matter of this importance prior to the city being committed to a defined position by virtue of the mayor’s singular endorsement?
Yes / No
Comments:
It would be helpful to have all responses returned by September 19, 2014. Lack of providing a response will reflect a "No Comment" as being noted for your position on this issue when a follow-up CCR report is produced.
In the interim, this open letter will be posted to the CCRs blog.
NOTES:
* Net Neutrality means an Internet that enables and protects free speech. It means that Internet service providers should provide us with open networks — and should not block or discriminate against any applications or content that ride over those networks. ("Save the Internet," FreePress, http://www.savetheinternet.com/sti-home )
