“They need some more support from the Legislature in having a critical eye,” said John Farrell, of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. “I think the laws that they operate under don’t give them a lot of flexibility to question…the base assumptions that Xcel is bringing to the table.” Check out the 2-minute video clip
Tullahoma News, December 12, 2013 The Tullahoma Utilities Board has repaid nearly $2.2 million in city bond debt since launching its LightTUBe fiber services in January 2009, according to general manager Brian Skelton. The City of Tullahoma issued $16.9 million in general obligation bonds to TUB in 2007 to deploy fiber-to-the-home telephone, television and Internet services. … Read More
Government Technology, December 11, 2013 Gigabit Squared’s plan to bring broadband Internet service to 12 neighborhoods in Seattle may be in jeopardy. Mayor Mike McGinn told GeekWire earlier this week that Gigabit Squared is facing financing problems causing it to delay installation of the high-speed network. He questioned whether the project – now a year removed … Read More
E&E Daily, December 10, 2013 A glance at Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp’s environmental allies presents a strange picture: They include Wal-Mart CEO Mike Duke; former President George H.W. Bush counsel C. Boyden Gray; and executives from Anadarko Petroleum, Noble Energy and Encana. But the ethos of EDF under Krupp’s 29-year reign has been atypical: … Read More
Truth Out, December 7, 2013 Next time someone tells you they shop at Walmart because it’s cheap or convenient, share this. Despite 1,500 protests nationwide against Walmart, the world’s biggest retailer claimed its most lucrative Black Friday ever in 2013. Our friends and neighbors flock there. They do – even those who have seen mom-and-pop stores … Read More
The Daily Journal, December 6, 2013 Locally-owned shops versus national retail stores? An afterthought for us, but for small businesses it can mean life or death. “I made my living in this community,” said 79-year-old Paul Cardosi as he was having his watch band repaired at Andaul Jewelers in Bourbonnais. “Why not shop locally? People supported … Read More
Government Technology, December 3, 2013 Los Angeles will release an RFP early next year seeking a vendor to build a free, fiber-based broadband network for all residents and businesses. But while the concept of citywide, high-speed connectivity is attractive, experts believe the plan isn’t realistic. Harold Feld, senior vice president of Public Knowledge, a technology-focused consumer … Read More
Various Sources, November 25-30, 2013 ILSR was mentioned in a number of stories related to the start of the holiday shopping season. Below are links to some of those stories: Locally owned businesses participate in Cyber Monday – WHAS The Institute for Local Self-Reliance and 150 Local Business organizations representing over 40,000 Local Independent businesses across … Read More
CommonDreams, November 26, 2013 For those suffering from too much quality time with their families, the chain stores are poised to offer an escape by opening Thanksgiving Day. Before your dinner is digested, you can flee the table to vie for pole position at the big box entrance like Roman chariot drivers and prepare to do … Read More
