Dear Mayor:

The League office has received numerous inquiries on the status of a proposal for a Verizon system-wide video franchise (see Dear Mayor letters of April 28 & 29; May 20; and June 16.) We expect the proposal to be considered by the Legislature in the lame duck period.

In preparation for this consideration, the League conducted an educational summit in June, and published three articles in the October issue of New Jersey Municipalities magazine. There will also be an informational session during the Annual League Conference. We urge everyone who is interested in this issue to register for the conference and attend that session on Wednesday November 16, 2:00 to 5:15 in room 402 of the Atlantic City Convention Center.

When a legislative proposal is introduced, the League Telecommunications Task Force, which has been meeting from time-to time on this issue, will review and analyze its impact on municipalities. The Leagues information, recommendations and ultimately any policy statements will be based on the Task Force deliberations.

The League will continue to keep you up to date on this issue. If you have questions, contact Bill Dressel at extension 22.