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` r <br /> Dr. Greg Smith, a Mebane resident, spoke in support of EAS. <br /> He mentioned that he, as well as hundreds of other people, are not <br /> even listed with the Hillsborough telephone directory assistance, <br /> nor are people routinely told to try the Mebane Home Phone Company <br /> directory. He presented petitions signed by 2000 citizens <br /> supporting this proposal. He asked that the citizens be given an <br /> opportunity to vote on this proposal. <br /> Mr. D. M. Brown spoke in favor of extended area service. <br /> However, he believes that this plan is not inclusive enough to <br /> benefit the northern Orange County area. This proposal needs to <br /> include the Durham area. He mentioned that he spent two days with <br /> the N.C. Utilities Commission in 1971 attempting to get extended <br /> area service for this area. <br /> Ms. Deborah Schledorn spoke in support of this proposal. She <br /> stated that the limited calling area has a negative impact on her <br /> family in all areas, including school, volunteer, work, home and <br /> business. She believes that the western part of Orange County is <br /> becoming a bedroom community for Chapel Hill and RTP. This <br /> extended area service is critical for that development. <br /> Mr. Henry Whitfield spoke in favor of extended area service. <br /> He stated that he did not want to pay 50% tolls. He indicated that <br /> he contacted AT&T, which is the grandparent company of Bell South, <br /> and was informed that they have paid a dividend each year since <br /> 1881. AT&T and Bell South pay a larger dividend each year. It is <br /> clear that the phone companies are making a profit and could afford <br /> to go to an extended area calling plan. <br /> Ms. Kathleen Oakley spoke against this proposal. She stated <br /> that most of the people she contacted did not even know that this <br /> was being proposed. Also, this proposal will include only that <br /> part of Mebane which is in Orange County. She feels this is an <br /> increase in the toll charge will not lead to an increase in the <br /> service to most of the Mebane residents. <br /> Dr. Greg Smith stated that all 2000 o f the citizens who signed <br /> his petition were, in fact, aware of the increase in tolls. <br /> Mr. Vic Knight, Co-chair of the Extended Area Service Task <br /> Force and President of the Chapel Hill Board of Realtors, stated <br /> that the Board of Realtors, in a unanimous decision at their last <br /> meeting, passed a resolution in support of the county's request <br /> that this issue be put to a vote by Orange County residents. He <br /> mentioned that Orange County has been pursuing extended area <br /> calling for over 20 years. They are asking that this issue be put <br /> to a vote by the citizens of Orange County. <br /> Mr. A. W. Kenion spoke against this proposal. He does not <br /> make long distance calls and does not want an increase in his bill. <br /> Mr. Ken Miller, a resident and business owner in Mebane, <br />