Concerned about TV cable service

Spectrum, by Melody Johnson

It has become very apparent the power a cable company, a.k.a. "utility company," can wield in reaching its objective to "expand, grow and improve." They have the legal right to refer to themselves as a "utility company" in their attempts to install television cable within our subdivision, even with the majority of the Lacy Loop residents saying "no, thank you."

The cable company's initial response to that was, "We have the right to the public utility easement, there is nothing you can do, and there is no one you can talk to that can stop us from coming in … you don't run this company."

This has been driven home to those who called to express their opposition to their television cable installation.

Repeated to residents emphatically, this cable company stands firm that it will be a benefit to the subdivision even though the majority has no need for their television cable service.

They say they want to be a good neighbor. In the past, most of us have given up on requesting their service after years of imploring this company to provide cable service to our subdivision.

Ultimately, we turned to satellite dish service, a local telephone company's digital television service, or just plain old-fashioned reception by antenna.

What gives the company the ethical (although legal) right to sweep into a neighborhood after the last home is built and present themselves as a benefit to the residents?

By the time the last house in Lacy Laine subdivision was built, many of the lots had been improved with landscaping, paved driveways, D-1 driveways, etc. This provokes the innate mechanism in most of us to protect that which is ours, that which we have worked hard and long for.

Public utility easement or not, cable is not a necessity such as water, electric or even phone for most. Cable is an optional service -- we don't need it.

We have alternatives that do not require a "ditch-witch," additional underground cables or bored holes under our driveways, possibly leading to necessary cutting of the asphalt drives. Invasive means are not our only options. Why can't this company understand that and suspend the project?

Addressing the cable company's attempts to move forward with its television cable installation project: Please, find another subdivision that is in need of your television cable service, and that will use and appreciate it. We, the majority, will not.

Concessions have been made on the cable company's part. As a result, there will be a meeting on Saturday, the 16th of October. This public forum will allow both parties to come together and address both Lacy Loop residents' ongoing concerns and provide the cable company a chance to present the benefits of its presence in our subdivision.

Although there are a great many that will be unable to attend due to the expedience demanded by the cable company, let's hope that this company will find it in its heart to listen to the people, even though the right to public utility easement is a stark reality.

This is the absolute opportunity to prove the words "good neighbor."

David and Goliath? Perhaps, or not. Only time will tell after Saturday, Oct. 16. The regional manager's final decision will be made following the meeting. Let's hope the power the cable company wields will be used to mend the broken fences brought on by this dispute.

Everyone could use a good neighbor . We don't doubt their desire to be a good neighbor, but the means does not justify the end. Their enthusiasm seems to have taken precedence over doing the neighborly thing.

Thank you for allowing us to publicly share these concerns regarding our subdivision and cable companies' rights and protocol. This was submitted in hopes that we can make our communities more aware of the need for amendments in our laws and regulations in order to keep this an operable society providing freedom of choice regarding our homes and property.

Melody Johnson is a Wasilla resident.