Citizens' Comment - Greenlight

Wilson leaders protecting Greenlight?

The recent article regarding Sen. David Hoyle's draft legislation that would require a public vote before cities could build private broadband networks suggests that the leaders of Wilson are protecting us from something that is bad.


What is so bad about giving the public the option of deciding how their potential tax dollars will be spent? I did the same as what Hoyle is proposing in questioning city officials early in the Greenlight proposal about concerns of a government institution competing with private industries. I also questioned where the funding would come from if Greenlight were not successfully. The answer given was that it would be successful, BUT in the event it wasn't, the citizens of Wilson would ultimately foot the bill through tax increases.

As far as having faith in our elected leaders as the article implies, I don't see any negative benefits in giving those who may be affected by substantial investments through public funding a means to decide how their money is spent (case in point is the Roanoke Rapids' Carolina Crossroads fiasco). I actually have less faith now with city management "deciding for me" since I was given a projected cost for Greenlight of $17 million and the actual cost was $28 million.

I for one certainly support Sen. Hoyle's proposal and wish it had been in place when Greenlight was being considered. And for what it's worth I am currently a Greenlight customer.

David Howell
This appeared in the Letter to the Editor section of the Wilson Times.