HOME  E-DEMOCRACY 98  E-DEBATE WEB MN-FORUM

Chris Wright      Response 12

Question 12: Even as access to advanced technology and high speed Internet improves, many of the disparities in access between rich and poor, urban and rural Minnesota are growing. Should the state have a role in narrowing this gap? What would you do specifically as Governor to create more access to these tools for all Minnesotans?

I am the only candidate for governor who has advanced the idea of the
Rural Fiberoptrification Project to bring digital fiber optic
telephone, internet, digital TV and radio service to all Minnesotans
while reserving enough bandwidth for local cable access.

I would attempt to pay for this fiber optic backbone in Minnesota
through tax incentives to providers in a competitive bidding process.
I would oppose raising taxes to pay for this. However, I might
consider a legal tax on marijuana to assist its implementation.

By establishing this communications infrastructure our schools,
hospitals, farmers, entrepreneurs and individuals from every walk of
life would gain a vast economic advantage over most sections of the
nation and the world.