Quick Guide to Burlington Telecom Controversy

1. Some background is missing here. BT runs on the basis of trade secret under the assumption that other companies would like to get their hands on customer information and otherwise. The proprietary protections and non-disclosuree agreement even exist at the public service board level as well at the city level. I think it’s all stupid and the reason we’re here today, but there’s a good argument for it since BT does not have the privilege of operating as a lone public utility without competition–like the electric department. The expansion proposal–that has delayed a year–hinges on funding and PSB approval. Councilors are pleading ignorance about the expansion when mayoral candidates campaigned on it. Also, this is potentially the second time cash pool funding violation occurred. The other context is that BT is (and public access TV was) under pressure from Comcast to fulfill information requests. David O’Brien hasn’t had a Christmas party with Comcast management but he’s definitely under pressure to provide a level playing field. BT has limited access to capital reserves nvestment in this tough economic period as opposed to Comcast–albeit BT has technically superior infrastructure with fibre. Build-out failures and poor planning meant city cash pool was the only option to maintain services. All these pressures have probably forced city officials to hold all their cards close in the low-intensity war played about between BT and Comcast.BT has some loose ends that will need leadership, but currently it is on a cash-positive road and is generating (small) income for the city on interest payments for the loan–in addition to the tax and franchise revenues and operational savings to the city.

2. “Build-out failures and poor planning meant city cash pool was the only option to maintain services. All these pressures have probably forced city officials to hold all their cards close in the low-intensity war played about between BT and Comcast.”BT did not have the right to use that money past 60 days, if they had played by the rules they would have had to shut down. That’s life, and the fact that they broke the rules to keep the lights on puts them, and the City, in line for a Comcast lawsuit IMO. Nothing “forced” officials to withhold the CPG/City Charter violation from parties with whom they are obligated to share such information; nevertheless they chose to do so.”currently it is on a cash-positive road and is generating (small) income for the city on interest payments for the loan”I believe Leopold has disagreed with you on the cash positivity, unless you’re talking about projections, which apparently are also a big secret. If BT takes $17m from the City and throws a few grand back, that is not “generating income.”

3. The value of BT is not the issue here. BT may be a great thing and well worth saving. But “protecting” BT cannot be an excuse for glossing over and forgiving the illegal activity of Mayor Leopold and his assistant Kiss. No matter what, they MUST be held to account for their illegal actions.No one is above the law, and the ends do not justify the means.

4. Four councilors (3 dems and 1 rep.) have signed onto ADrians call to suspend LEOPOLD

5. Hey Shay: You’ve got to remember Bernie Sanders cut his teeth in Burlington and the city is his baby.!!! We all know you have to protect your babies.!!! It will take some doing but he will figure out a way to introduce legislation and slide it through in some sort of grant or pork bill going through and you won’t even recogize it’s intention and believe it or not he might even suck Leaky Leahy into this bailout. People you must understand there is 33 million dollars of Democrat’s money on the line and much like our current leader they will not loose.!!!

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