A couple of weeks ago I joined other elected officials from cities and agencies around California in Sacramento to express our views about AB 2987-(Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act) before a senate subcommittee.
As you may recall, this bill if passed as originally written would impact our city with regards to cable franchising. The bill would establish a new state bureaucracy that would make decisions currently handled by local government. Once again, it will put local government revenues in jeopardy.
I was one of just a few individuals who were given an opportunity to speak to the committee. I sensed a frustration from city officials who were anticipating cable franchise fees and now seeing the possibility of that funding going to the state instead. The hall immediately outside the senate meeting room was crowded with people who wanted to address the senators pro or con on this issue.
It was intimidating at first but as I walked up and sat in front of the microphone to address the senators, I felt an adrenalin rush of determination to get as much of my message across as possible. I was representing Foster City and responsible to a lot of people. I had to make sure that the lawmakers realized they had to work on making changes to this bill to support local needs.
The experience left me extremely disappointed in our elected officials who say they represent us. Some of the members of the committee were unprofessional and rude during the proceedings. I came to the conclusion that they were looking for ways to dip into local funds once again.
With having just passed the 2006-2007 city budget and again having to use reserves to meet expenses, it’s becoming a game of inches to keep dollars into the city coffers. Many people are working hard to get the bill amended before being signed into law so stay tuned for more information. (It’s not too late to express your opinions to our local state representatives about AB2987).
A big thank you to all who participated in making our fourth of July celebration so spectacular. The beautiful day of activities concluded with a sparkling array of lights in the sky over the Foster City lagoon.
From the shore and from the water, people flocked to view the vibrant colors of fireworks and listen to the sounds of the season resonate. The friends whose boat we were on tuned into a radio station that played patriotic music as the fireworks exploded in the sky. Always a fitting reminder of the great country in which we live. Foster City hosted a wonderful tribute to America’s 230th birthday.
I invite comments on this and other issues facing our city at:lkoelling@fostercity.org
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