Questions arise as to their having their own authority, we know all about these authorities, such as the airport authority,

Authorities by themselves are not always a bad thing. Do not take one bad example and claim that it’s always that way. Look at the parking authority and housing authority, both of which function much better.

I would also point out that the airport authority was not created by the city or county, It was created by state law.

Using tax dollars to go in direct competition with others, such as bell south and charter, and saying they will give them competition, with rate payer money and citizen’s taxes

CDE gets no tax payer dollars. They make money from offering the services, this venture into telecommunications services will function much the same.

CDE does not receive any tax revenue. All revenue received by CDE is from the sale of services. Public power utilities make payments in lieu of taxes that are often higher than private taxes. CDE is one of the largest contributors to city government through in-lieu of tax payments that totaled $1.87 million last year.

CDE says they want to be able to read meters electronically and help them out in this area. I don’t think it is fair competition for the other guys, unless they get the same priviledges.

What other guys? The Gas and Water Department? I am sure CDE will not object if once the network is in place they wish to utilize it as well. They are the only other metered service in Clarksville, unless you know something I do not.

They have sent out flyers in the mail wanting us to call our representatives to vote for their agenda, and whose money are they using to do this?

Their money, not yours. You used the electricity that you purchased from them, at that point the money you paid is no longer yours.

They want the city to help them with bond issues to borrow the money, because they can’t

No they want the city to help them fund the initial expansion of a network which already exists, with a long term low interest municipal bond, instead of having to raise your electric bill to cover the debt payment. This is in our interests.

I am sure this will eventually happen with the authority or not. The only question is how we the citizens of Clarksville, and customers of CDE end up paying for it.

Because they are at this time under the management of the city, and in which they need to stay under the authority of the city, and not themselves.

I have not been able to find anything which indicates that CDE is under the management of the city. I can only conclude you are as mistaken in this, as you were on many of the other statements made in your comment.

The management team has more than one hundred years of experience in the electrical utility field and is complimented by a dedicated and qualified staff.

You asked:

Who will determine rate issues and costs of supplying all these Internet access and cable TV prices?

Probably the same people who decide the electricity rates currently. I have no real complaints on them, I doubt I will on their fees for Internet, Telephone, and TV service either.

I canceled my Cable TV and my Satellite connection long ago, due to the prices. They were always increasing. Ever notice that when many of these for profit companies raise your rates for their services they directly mirror the rate of increase in the corporate profit statements.

I had no choice but to keep my cable Internet service, and I can’t wait to switch to CDE’s once they offer that.

If we give them the authority, who will they answer to?

They will answer to the same people they do now. They will be just as responsive as they are now.

CDE has one purpose it’s customers. Unlike Charter Communications and Bellsouth whose sole purpose under law is to make a profit for it’s share holders, even if that means screwing you and I, to do so.

And when we do this for them, will we not be open to do for everyone else out there?

This makes no sense what so ever. If you are talking about the bond? They already do just ask Global Entertainment.

I’ll be voting no on the referendum.

Then you will be voting now against your wallet, interests, and your community. Some “Friend(s) of Clarksville” you are…..

Look people it’s simple, Charter and Bellsouth does not have “your interests” at heart, only their shareholders. Only their bottom line. They will spend no more, and no less on our community than they must. Why do you think that the cable service in this community is so bad.

They will not change until they are forced to. No one will be forced to use CDE’s telecommunications services. I bet many of the residents of the city are excited and eager to though. Don’t let these irrational corporate shills influence your decision on this issue. Let your ever rising cable and telephone bills do that for you!

Dwain I want to ask you the same question I ask everyone else commenting against this referendum.

I noticed that you did not disclose your connections with Bellsouth or Charter cable, and based on your comment it’s clear you have them with one or both. I would be interested in hearing about them. Are you a employee, consultant, PR person, stock holder, or lobbyist with either Bellsouth or Charter Communications. Does your group “Friends of Clarksville” have any connection to, or receive any funding from Charter Communications or Bellsouth? I bet your answer would have to be Yes.

In the interest of openness and complete disclosure, I have no connections with CDE, Charter Communications, or Bellsouth. I am just a Clarksville Resident who has looked at the current options and found them wanting. Vote yes on this Referendum.

Be prepared though. The dirty trick book is long and well, pretty dirty, that the incumbants use. I know, I have seen the Lafayette, LA. Fiber fight first hand. It’s not been pretty. :(

GOOD LUCK GUYS! :)

But otherwise, it’s clear that there needs to be some genuine competition in this area. Competition does everyone a favor and creates a market where companies work to offer the best service possible.

Great post!