Wilson's Greenlight & Public Debate

Hoyle introduces broadband proposal while Wilson leaders protecting Greenlight, other cities' interests

N.C. Sen. David Hoyle, D-Gaston, presented draft legislation Wednesday in Raleigh that would require a vote of the public before cities build broadband networks. 

The proposal is Hoyle's effort to involve the public in the decision-making process before cities borrow money to build multi-million dollar systems. City leaders interested in building a communication system of high-speed Internet, cable television and telephone service, would only be able to do so through general obligation bonds. The bonds require a public vote. 

Wilson leaders were at Wednesday's Revenue Laws Study Committee as part of their ongoing efforts to monitor state discussions involving government-operated systems.

Hoyle's draft legislation will not impact Wilson's Greenlight, which sells fiber-optic, high-speed Internet, cable and telephone service. City leaders are not only working to protect Wilson's $28 million investment in Greenlight but the interests of other city leaders across the state who want to build a similar network.

"We were disappointed in how it turned out," said Mayor Bruce Rose. "We want other cities to have the ability to build broadband as we did."

Wilson's Greenlight was launched after public hearings but there was no requirement of a public vote or the use of general obligation bonds.

"I'm not against the public voting but I think they should have faith in their elected leaders," Rose said.

The draft legislation will be reviewed by a study committee and the finance committee before it's written as a bill, Hoyle said. The bill would then be presented to the House and Senate for a vote. The legislation could be considered by the General Assembly in 2010, according to the draft.

Hoyle presented his plan because of concern that government is competing with private business. He is also concerned that if such systems fail financially then taxpayers will end up paying for the system.

"I just don't think it's right for cities to go into competition with private business," Hoyle said. "I'm a free enterprise man and I believe in free enterprise. I don't know whether we can pass the bill or not, but I'm going to do my best."

City leaders who attended the Revenue Laws Study Committee Wednesday were Rose, Grant Goings, city manager, Agnes Speight, assistant city manager, Jim Cauley, attorney, and Brian Bowman, public affairs manager.

Article written by Rochelle Moore - Wilson Times