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Video-Franchising Bill Moves In Michigan
by Michael Martinez
Lawmakers in Michigan this week advanced a measure to overhaul video-franchising rules.
The state House on Tuesday approved a measure that would allow new entrants to the video market to bypass localities by applying for statewide video franchises. The current rules require separate agreements with localities.
The House passed the measure, H.B. 6456, by a vote of 80-21. It now moves to the state Senate.
California, Indiana, Kansas, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia all have enacted similar legislation in the past two years. Lawmakers in Louisiana also passed a franchising measure this year, but that bill was vetoed by Gov. Kathleen Blanco.
Under the Michigan proposal, video providers would have to pay franchising fees of up to 5 percent. They also could not deny service to consumers based on race or income. The bill includes provisions requiring that market entrants make services available to at least 25 percent of the consumers in jurisdictions they enter within three years and expand coverage to 50 percent of consumers within five years.
In a statement, Republican state Rep. Mike Nofs, the author of the bill, said that the current regulatory system is outdated and that consumers have suffered as a result. A uniform set of video-franchising rules will encourage companies to invest in neighborhoods throughout the state, create jobs and boost Michigan's economic competitiveness, he said.
"The video service industry is on the verge of massive expansion, but Michigan's outdated franchising regulations stifle that expansion, slowing job growth and limiting competition and consumer choices," Nofs said. "Studies have shown that people are frustrated by the continuing rise in costs of watching TV, and they want something done to lower their entertainment bills while expanding their viewing choices."
The measure is opposed by several organizations, including the Michigan Municipal League. Critics claim the measure would undercut the authority of localities to manage a crucial source of revenue. On its Web site, the league said the measure caters to video providers at the expense of consumers.
"Most concerning is giving the unilateral ability of a cable company to terminate a franchise contract at any time, still allowing cherry-picking in neighborhoods and significant revenue impacts to local communities," according to the group.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she has not taken a position on the bill but would like the state Senate to ensure that whatever bill is passed is best for consumers.
Denver Election Official Resigns Amid E-Voting Trouble
Denver's top election official resigned Tuesday, a week after various e-voting snags caused headaches at polling places throughout the city.
Outgoing Election Commissioner Wayne Vaden, who also served as the city's clerk and recorder, stepped down after city officials launched a probe into glitches that marred the administration of last week's election. In his resignation to Mayor John Hickenlooper, Vaden said he accepted "his fair share of the responsibility" for the e-voting problems that led to massive lines in some of the city's voting centers.
"I know that [Vaden] has been frustrated by the difficulties he experienced at the election commission. ... The manner in which he is accepting a share of responsibility without blaming others is a reflection of his strong character and commitment to Denver," Hickenlooper said in a statement.
Hickenlooper on Wednesday convened the first meeting of a short-term investigative panel he created last week to investigate the city's recent e-voting failures. The panel is scheduled to meet four more times and submit to the city council a list of recommendations to improve the city's election system before municipal elections next May.
The public will be able to provide input to the panel at a forum scheduled for Dec. 2.
In other news, election officials in Colorado declared Republican state Treasurer Mike Coffman the winner in the race for secretary of state. He defeated Democrat Ken Gordon, who has conceded defeat. Results in that race were delayed for more than a week because of trouble counting votes in Denver and Douglas counties. Final tallies in those jurisdictions were affected by e-voting snags.
"The elections in Iraq went an awful lot better than in Denver and Douglas counties," Coffman, a veteran of the gulf war in 1991, told The Colorado Springs Gazette.
Dallas Unveils Emergency Response Network
City officials in Dallas this week announced the launch of a project to build a network that allows departments and agencies at all levels of government to communicate across jurisdictions on equipment they already own.
The city has enlisted the firm CoCo Communications to expand a network it already has installed at Dallas Love Air Field. That network has given emergency responders an interoperable communications system without requiring them to overhaul their existing infrastructure. The company's software protocol now rides on top of the airport's current system.
CoCo has entered into a multiyear contract with the city to build a subscription network available to its aviation, fire and police departments. The Dallas City Council cleared the deal Wednesday.
"It is important that I have the ability to communicate not only with my firefighters but also with other agencies," said Dallas Fire Chief Eddie Burns. "We are the first line of defense when it comes to man-made and natural disasters. Having the capability to communicate with other cities, departments and agencies will enhance the capabilities of all first responders."
Assistant Police Chief David Brown said the network will provide a "must have" service for all city emergency responders. He said achieving full-scale interoperability is imperative. "This is a potentially life saving technology," he said.
Gov. Huckabee's Online Housewarming Flap
Some lawmakers in Arkansas have questioned whether it was appropriate for online gift registries to be created for a housewarming party for outgoing Gov. Mike Huckabee and his wife, Janet.
It was disclosed Monday that friends of the Huckabees created the registries at Target and Dillard's to help them furnish their new home after they leave the governor's mansion. Huckabee, a Republican who is considering a bid for president, told AP that the registries were set up by family friends as "wedding registries" because the stores do not offer an option for housewarming parties. He said reports about the registries have been overblown.
"You've created the impression that my wife has gone out and solicited gifts, which is absolutely untrue," he said.
But some lawmakers questioned whether government officials should be allowed to receive gifts through such registries, even if they are set to leave office. State Rep. Phil Jackson told The Democrat Gazette that Huckabee would make things less complicated by furnishing the home on his own.
"Maybe I should do [a registry ] for a car," Jackson said.
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