Published: May 04, 2008 06:44 pm            

Letters to the editor - Monday, May 5, 2008

Telecom Reform Act a home run

In 2006, Indiana adopted a telecommunications and video reform bill that experts have widely acclaimed as “the best legislation of its kind anywhere in the country.” Two years later, the bill continues to pour jobs, investment and next-generation technology into Indiana. The results have been impressive by any measure. A recent letter to the editor by an opponent of the law ignores the benefits, twisting the issue in an attempt to return to big government bureacracy. Let’s look at the facts.

A recent Ball State report attributes 2,200 new jobs, $516 million in investment, new video competition, and expansion of high speed Internet services to 102 previously underserved rural communities to the passage of the bill.

In the year the bill was signed, Indiana experienced the largest increase in history of high speed Internet lines with nearly 664,000 new connections – a growth rate of 72 percent. For 2007, I believe Indiana will exceed 2 million connections, more than double what was in place in 2005 just prior to the bill’s passage. In addition, where competition has grown, prices have come down. In some areas where competition has resulted, high speed connections are available for $14.95 per month. That is less than what dial-up cost just a few short years ago.

That’s all good news. But, the story continues. Last month, Smithville – Indiana’s largest privately held telecom company – announced that it will invest $90 million to bring fiber broadband to 29,000 customers in 17 counties. On the same day, AT&T announced that 300,000 Hoosier families are now able to receive U-Verse, its Internet TV service.

Our reform movement has been a grand slam for Hoosiers. By updating our laws, we’ve provided consumers more choices, better value, faster Internet connections, thousands of new jobs and the kinds of technological advances rural communities need to compete in the global economy. Other policymakers have noticed our gains and similar legislation has followed Indiana’s lead in 20 states.

Baseball great Yogi Berra said, “it ain’t over till it’s over.” I think he’s right. The 2006 Indiana Telecom Reform Act has been a real home run, but I still think we have some more runs to put on the scoreboard for the home team.

Brandt Hershman

State senator

Obama will be best manager

When the primaries began, I had no preference except that a Democrat be elected to end the Republican disaster known as the Bush administration.

After watching Obama and Clinton in action my decision became clear. Hillary’s swift boat politics, claims of braving sniper fire and gas tax breaks that can never happen have ended all trust. Clinton’s desire to change the rules when the game goes against her shows a lack of integrity. Her bellicose threat to “totally obliterate” Iran will pose a serious risk of more war in the Mideast if she is elected.

Hillary runs a bait and switch con game that will revert back to business as usual if she is elected. All of Clinton’s “experience” has been in the old Washington game and expecting her to change is foolish. Her campaign proves it.

Obama has been straight forward about his plans and points the way to a new style of politics that deals with real problems instead of “kitchen sink” nonsense.

Obama shows himself to be the best candidate by the way he manages his campaign. Obama’s team hums along like a well tuned machine. The smooth operation of his organization demonstrates the management skills needed for a first rate president. Obama’s ability to manage people indicates the potential to genuinely change the way Washington operates.

Hillary’s stumbling and staggering from one misstep to the next shows serious mismanagement.

After eight years of incompetence, the country needs good management more than anything else. Obama has proved that he can do the job.

Ralph Givens

Anderson

        

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