7747-03 Support Increased Competition - Long Distance

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RESOLUTION 7747-03 BY: Corrigan, Dever, Oeorge, Roth, Seelie. AN EMERGENCY RESOLUTION in support of increased competition in Ohio's long-distance market. WHEREAS, the Lakewood City Council looks to promote public policies which will increase jobs and promote more choices in telecommunications, and; WHEREAS, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 envisioned fundamental changes in the telecommunications markets with more local and long distance competition, and; WHEREAS, SBC's entrance into the long distance market in Ohi~ will bring strong competition into the local and long distance markets in Ohio, and; WHEREAS, SBC's long distance entry will bring other consumer benefits to Ohioans, such as more investments, more choices, better prices, further economic development and innovation, and the convenience and value of one-stop shopping, and; · VOtEREAS, more than 140 companies are currently certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to provide local telephone services in the State of Ohio, and SBC is the only company currently prohibited from carrying long distance calls, and; WHEREAS, SBC employs more than 10,000 Ohio residents including 7,000 members of the Communications Workers of America, and other unions, and entry into the long distance market will increase job opportunities, and; WHEREAS, the FCC will review SBC's long distance application 90 days after filing to determine compliance with the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, STATE OF OHIO SECTION 1. That the Lakewood City Council strongly supports SBC's long distance application with the Ohio Public Utilities Commission in order to increase competition in the marketplace, provide consumers with savings, and spur new investment and services across the state. SECTION 2. It is found and determined that all formal actions of this Council concerning and relating to the passage of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Council, and that all such deliberations of this Council and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action, were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements. SECTION 3. That this resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, property, health, safety and welfare in the City and for the usual daily operation of the City for the reasons set forth and del'reed in the preamble to this resolution, and provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least five (5) of its members elected to Council, this resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption by the Council and approval by the Mayor otherwise, it shall be in force after the earliest period allowed by law. Adopted: President