May 31, 2005

Dallas Rep. Proposes National Muni Ban

(Action required from people in the Dallas area.)

U.S. Representative Pete Sessions of Dallas has just introduced federal legislation to outlaw muni networks nationally. HR 2726 (the ludicrously misnamed "Preserving Innovation in Telecom Act of 2005") would give the phone company veto power over any municipal projects they don't like.

Ironically, Rep. Sessions' district is home to many of the communication industry leaders that would be most harmed by this legislation.

We urge people in Rep. Sessions' district to contact him and ask that he drop this special interest legislation in favor of one that promotes an effective national broadband policy.

Posted by chip at May 31, 2005 12:59 PM
Comments

That's not ironic, that's sadly predictable. What would be "ironic" would be if you had voted for him (which, I realize, you wouldn't have the opportunity to do).

Posted by: Adam Rice at May 31, 2005 03:29 PM

why only people from dallas? Why not have people nationwide call him? This bill would affect all Americans....

Posted by: at May 31, 2005 04:20 PM

Not Dallas only, but Dallas most importantly. Elected representatives respond most strongly to communication from their constituents.

Posted by: chip at May 31, 2005 04:52 PM

well, what if 100,000 people from all over America contacted him and said they were going to donate money to his next opponent's campaign fund, wouldn't THAT have an effect?

Posted by: at May 31, 2005 05:04 PM

I don't think that calling Pete Sessions will make a whit of difference. I would encourage people to call or email their House representatives to be on the lookout for it.

Posted by: at May 31, 2005 09:13 PM

Sessions is a former SBC employee. What a surprise!!!

http://sessions.house.gov/Biography/bio.htm

Posted by: Red at May 31, 2005 11:25 PM

I did call Pete's office to express my misgivings about HR 2726.

Pete's Email won't accept post from 98501, but the telephone got me to an aide, who put me thru to his "draft coordinator", a "Mr. Hillard"--

[I hope I got the name/spelling correct]

I agree that this may impact every US citizen, but I feel that HR 2726 will be shot down in flames.

Call Pete's people, and then call your local reps.; together we can stop this silly game.

Cheers,

-Chad Akins
Community Technology Consulting

Posted by: at June 1, 2005 04:45 PM

Mr. Sessions clearly needs to hear not only from his local Texas electorate, but the entire country, as this legislation will affect us all.

If you wish to e-mail him through his website I suggest using one of the following Zip codes which represent, in descending order, the top zip codes that donated to his race. This will allow you to pass the first barrier - however address and phone number are required after the first zip code hurdle.

75201
75225
75214
75231
75230
75205
75240
75220
75093
75001

Posted by: at June 8, 2005 05:36 PM

I'd agree with the above: calling the bill's sponsor to not support a bill isn't that logical. Contacting other reps is more sensible. Sessions is already way paid for; look for those who aren't as bought, i.e. who had less contentious races in '04 and are not as in debt to corporations.

Posted by: at June 15, 2005 06:07 AM