Dear Mayor:

The League office has received numerous inquiries on the status of a proposal for a Verizon system-wide video franchise (see 2005 dear Mayor letters of April 28 & 29; May 20; June 16, and October 28.) We have learned that the most recent incarnation of the proposal, S-2912, will not be considered during the lame duck period.

We will continue to monitor this evolving issue and we will send you updates as the issue develops. You should know that each proposal that has been presented has differed significantly from other versions of the proposal. For this reason, the League recommends you not take a position on a proposal or bill until you carefully read it and any analysis that the League Telecommunications Task Force may prepare.

To date, the League has stayed involved in this issue during 2005 by: conducting an educational summit in June, publishing three articles in the October issue of New Jersey Municipalities magazine; and conducting an informational session during the Annual League Conference; as well as several meetings with the Cable Telecommunications Association, Verizon, and legislators.

The League Telecommunications Task Force has been meeting from time-to time on this issue, to review and analyze its impact on municipalities. The League's information, recommendations and ultimately any policy statements will be based on the Task Force deliberations.

In 2006 we will continue all these efforts and keep you informed until the issue is resolved.

The League will continue to keep you up to date on this issue. If you have questions, contact Mike Darcy at extension 16.