Minnesota Gubernatorial E-Debate - Oct. 2006

Short Answer Question 7 - Which models of community involvement in broadband – be it wi-fi (wireless Internet), fiber, etc. - should be promoted or limited by the state or legislation? This might include the Windom municipal-owned fiber-to-the-home model, the Minneapolis franchise-like public-private wireless partnership, or other private marketplace models? Will you work toward a repeal/change of Minn. Stat. Ann. 237.19 requirement for municipalities to obtain a super-majority of 65% of voters before providing telephone services (including voice over the Internet)?

Response from Peter Hutchinson:

The state should encourage innovation to flourish at the local government level as cities, towns, and even counties explore various strategies to expand broadband coverage to their communities. The state should help them learn from each other what works best. I don’t see how the current statute helps this. Moreover, we should let local elected officials take action and be accountable to their constituents on election day – not through referenda.

Related Links:

Candidate Website - www.teamMN.com
Contact Campaign -

Short Answer Question 7 - Which models of community involvement in broadband – be it wi-fi (wireless Internet), fiber, etc. - should be promoted or limited by the state or legislation? This might include the Windom municipal-owned fiber-to-the-home model, the Minneapolis franchise-like public-private wireless partnership, or other private marketplace models? Will you work toward a repeal/change of Minn. Stat. Ann. 237.19 requirement for municipalities to obtain a super-majority of 65% of voters before providing telephone services (including voice over the Internet)?

Response from Ken Pentel:

My general approach is to establish the most democratic access to broadband. The goal is to narrow the gap between the haves and have-nots.

But I will need more information to give thorough response.

Related Links:

Campaign Website - www.kenpentel.org
Contact Candidate - www.kenpentel.org/contact.php

Short Answer Question 7 - Which models of community involvement in broadband – be it wi-fi (wireless Internet), fiber, etc. - should be promoted or limited by the state or legislation? This might include the Windom municipal-owned fiber-to-the-home model, the Minneapolis franchise-like public-private wireless partnership, or other private marketplace models? Will you work toward a repeal/change of Minn. Stat. Ann. 237.19 requirement for municipalities to obtain a super-majority of 65% of voters before providing telephone services (including voice over the Internet)?

Response from Tim Pawlenty:

Barriers must be removed to develop market-based solutions to broadband deployment throughout the state. Because broadband technologies and models of community involvement are evolving, the state should avoid “picking” one approach. Individual communities and markets should decide for themselves based on their own needs and situations about what approach to take.

Related Links:

Campaign Website - www.timpawlenty.com
Contact Campaign -

Short Answer Question 7 - Which models of community involvement in broadband – be it wi-fi (wireless Internet), fiber, etc. - should be promoted or limited by the state or legislation? This might include the Windom municipal-owned fiber-to-the-home model, the Minneapolis franchise-like public-private wireless partnership, or other private marketplace models? Will you work toward a repeal/change of Minn. Stat. Ann. 237.19 requirement for municipalities to obtain a super-majority of 65% of voters before providing telephone services (including voice over the Internet)?

Response from Mike Hatch:

As Governor, I will undertake a statewide fiber optics initiative to ensure that Minnesota business has access to high-speed Internet. Through a public-private partnership, state government must lead in the development of a fiber optic system that wires up regional cities and makes them attractive for technology development.

Related Links:

For details about my plan for long-term economic development in Minnesota, please see:
www.hatch2006.org/positionpapers/northerntiger.html
Candidate Website - www.hatch2006.org
Contact Campaign -