Agenda - 11-25-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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