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Elected leaders from counties around the nation sounded off with concerns and aspirations for their constituents as America works for universal connectivity.

By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

Affordable access was top of mind for elected county leaders from across the United States at a roundtable discussion hosted by Cox Communications this weekend in Tampa.

The discussion, which occurred while Tampa hosted the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference this weekend, involved representatives from both red and blue counties, from the Mississippi Delta to rural Wyoming.

Focusing on obstacles to connectivity, the discussion, facilitated by Broadband Communities, was forum for elected county leaders to share their concerns, their success stories, and their remaining hurdles when it comes to connecting their respective districts.

‘Poverty has no color’

“Poverty has no color,” said Carmen Moore-Zeigler, a commissioner representing District 2 in Alabama’s Montgomery County. “And on top of that, poverty breeds crime.”

She said the only way to control crime is to make children realize that there’s another world beyond their immediate environment.

Moore-Zeigler stressed that the internet is a key factor when it comes to inspiring young people.

“Until that day that (when) we all come together in America and make that child understand there’s something outside of where you grew up … there’s another life, and you have the opportunity to live in that life,” she said. “And what better way than making sure everybody has affordability to the internet. Then that child can dream.”

Stan Sallee, a Tulsa County Commissioner from Oklahoma serving District 1, echoed similar sentiments.

“Build it and they will come,” he said. “Well, maybe they will, maybe they won’t.”

Sallee said he’d hate to waste money on an infrastructure project people can’t afford.

“So, the backup to help people afford it needs to be there,” he said.

Sallee said he represents a district in North Tulsa with a large African American population that has a lack of investment in broadband that needs to be addressed.

“It’s really the entire region,” he said. “It’s not just my district. These counties surrounding me are so important.”

Sallee said the digital solutions being proposed can’t leave behind rural areas.

‘People have no opportunity without connectivity’

Robert Short, a Wyoming county commissioner from Converse County, said many in his county share his life story and grew up in poverty.

“Quite honestly, as we see the digital age continue to grow, people have no opportunity without connectivity,” he said. “It’s incredibly important for us to try to find ways to solve these disparities and give everybody the opportunity to succeed in their lives.”

Short said his county is served by small “mom and pop” ISPs. He said he was thrilled when he got a fixed-wireless solution at his home and was paying $500 a month for connectivity.

“Talk about breaking the bank,” he said.

Short said he’s been working closely with state leaders, like the governor, to strategize a sustainable methodology that can deliver broadband capacity, especially to folks who can’t afford $60 or $70 a month.

Meanwhile, Mala Brooks, a district supervisor for Washington County in the Mississippi Delta region, said she wants to make sure the next generation is educated and that her county can attract new industry in the future.

Brooks said her area is located along two major highways, is in close proximity to an airport, and is a perfect location for business.

“But the concern is not having high-speed broadband to be able to market our region,” she said. “It’s all about how do we move the next generation and prepare them so we can have a better state, a better United States of America.”

Improved access to mental health services is top of mind

Carrie Blumert, a county commissioner representing District 1 in Oklahoma County, which houses Oklahoma City, said she’s already seen the impact of connectivity when it comes to improving access to mental health services.

“Our sheriff’s office, and many other law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma, have been able to carry around iPads in their patrol cars. And if someone is in crisis, they can immediately connect that person with a licensed therapist and it immediately deescalates the situation,” Blumert said. “So, I want more of that to happen … my biggest thing with internet connectivity in my district is making sure that if folks are in crisis, they can access the health care they need, they can access the mental health care they need without having to drive somewhere.”

Hearing what the obstacles are …

David Deliman, who serves as the market vice president for Cox Communications in the Gulf Coast region, said Cox was thrilled to be having the conversation “so we can listen to hear what the obstacles are.”

“It helps us better understand how we can serve our customers better,” he said.

Deliman continued, saying connectivity isn’t a dream that can be accomplished without partnerships and cooperation. He said the roundtable discussion, which occurred this past Saturday night, was symbolic because it brought together a multitude of voices.

“It’s not something you can do as a commissioner on your own,” he said. “We can’t do it as an ISP on our own. The federal government can’t do it on their own. We all have to be in this together.”

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