Kenny Hardin, Candidate for City Council, Salisbury, N.C.
♦ I did an interview last week with the Salisbury Post for an upcoming political article on where the candidates stood on Fibrant. In addition to the telephone interview, I submitted written comments as well. I was honest in my position and was told my views were different from many of the other candidates he had spoken with. I don’t “go along to get along” because the people deserve answers and not just the “move on” remark offered by the city’s leadership.
I shared that I was not pleased with the way Fibrant was forced on the residents without it being taken to a referendum/vote. I was concerned about the lack of transparency of the $33 million dollars in “certificates of participation” utilized to fund it and people should know who in leadership and the private community are benefiting from this. I’m very concerned that $7.6 million was borrowed from the Water and Sewer fund to prop this venture up. As a result now I’m paying higher taxes and fees for something I didn’t want and am not profiting from. I received an IM yesterday from an angry resident who shared his Fibrant service increased by $11 and his water rate by .75 this month.
I also said that I don’t see Microsoft, Google or many other Tech firms beating down our doors to take advantage of our “Gig City” status nor are the rates for consumers competitive or more cost effective than with TWC and AT&T. So, I don’t see much bang for the exorbitant buck. Even if Fibrant ever makes a profit, how does that money impact or trickle down to people like me?
I am all for Salisbury being recognized as a “Gig City” and being on the forefront of technology across the Country, but not at the detriment of our overall City services and those who don’t have a vested financial interest in it. My questions and concerns stem from the way this service was introduced and thrust upon the citizenry. Below are the questions I will provide the public leading to much needed answers after I’m in Office:
• Why was this municipal broadband not put to a referendum where everyone had the opportunity to vote on this? It was a $33 million dollar investment.
• Where are the specifics about the $33 million dollar “certificates of participation” plus yearly interest that launched Fibrant, which we’re responsible for paying off until 2029?
• Who was or is benefiting from Fibrant financially in both City leadership and private citizenry?
• Why was it necessary to borrow $7.6 million dollars from the Water and Sewer fund that resulted in penalizing everyone with higher taxes/utility rates and the city’s lower bond rating?
• Can Fibrant compete with TWC and AT&T in internet speeds and TV while offering residents a comparable product at a competitive price? Compete with TWC and AT&T’s massive marketing?
• If ever Fibrant ever makes profit, how does it trickle down and benefit every citizen that doesn’t have a vested interest?
• Can we continue to trust those in city leadership that put us at this point to question the validity and viability of this service to do the right things moving forward?
• What was the reasoning behind the exorbitant severance amounts paid to the former City Manager and Communications Director? Why did the city government refuse to answer questions about this?
Our citizens deserve answers to all their questions and concerns and I will open all city’s books for review including calling for a forensic audit after the election.
