HomeMy WebLinkAbout44-89 - Res. Cable Monopolies LegislationRESOLUTION NO. 44-89
CABLE MONOPOLIES LEGISLATION
WHEREAS, the Cable Deregulation Act of 1984 removed rights of states and
municipalities to regulate the rates charged by cable companies and the channels carried
within a franchised area; and
WHEREAS, the service provided by the cable company is a public convenience and
necessity like any other public utility; and
WHEREAS, since deregulation with the merging of cable companies and the vertical
and horizontal integration between cable companies and program suppliers a virtual monopoly
has been created whereby competing technologies are rendered incapable of providing
effective competition; and
WHEREAS, citizens and municipalities have historically held the right to regulate and
oversee the rates and services of public utility monopolies;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Mason, in the State of
Washington, supports the proposal for the re -regulation of the cable industry and allowing
alternative technologies to effectively compete to insure the free flow of information; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, The Board of Mason County Commissioners respectfully
requests Congressional enactment of legislation which will enable local municipalities to
regulate cable companies and allow alternative technologies to compete effectively;
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Mason County Commissioners
forward this resolution to the Washington State Association of Counties per Section IX of the
Association Bylaws for consideration and adoption by the entire delegation at the 1989 June
convention. -
DATED this 23rd day of May, 1989.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Annette S. McGee, Chairperson
Michael D. Gibson, Commissioner
William O. Hunter,
ATTEST:
ieera r\j
Rebecca S. ROgers, Clerk of the oard
C: WP5O\RESOLUT\CABLE
ominissioner