The war of words that swirls unceasingly around Mooresville’s and Davidson’s ownership of the local cable network, MI-Connection Communications System, took another twist Friday when one of the system’s longtime critics admitted he actually works for competitor Time Warner Cable.

Andy Stevens of Troutman has spoken out against the towns’ 2007 cable purchase, posted comments on this and other local websites and started an anti-MI-Connection blog. He has described himself as a concerned citizen and an opponent of government ownership of government involvement in telecommunications. When reporters and local officials have questioned him about his employment, he has repeatedly denied working for the company. Read the full story

The state House of Representatives gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would set tough new rules for cities and towns that want to offer cable TV, internet or other telecommunications services. In an 84-32 vote, the House concurred with the version of the bill that passed the Senate Tuesday. It now goes to Gov. Beverly Perdue, who can sign it into law. Read the full story

Updated Wednesday, May 5, 2011
By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Town and MI-Connection Communications System officials said Tuesday that legislation to set new rules for government-owned communications networks won’t affect day-to-day operations of the system owned by Davidson and Mooresville. But they worry that the bill’s proposed territory restrictions could hurt the system’s value if the towns decided to exit the business.

The state Senate gave final approval on Tuesday to the “Level Playing Field/Local Government Competition” bill, which would set new limits on cities and towns that want to build communications networks and restrict where municipal cable TV, internet and telephone businesses can operate.

The bill specifically exempts a handful of existing systems from the new rules, including MI-Connection and city-owned systems in Salisbury and Wilson. But it limits where those systems can operate. Read the full story

The state Senate is expected to vote Tuesday whether to give final approval to a bill that sets new rules governing how cities and towns can enter the cable TV, internet and telephone businesses. On Monday night, senators gave preliminary approval to the bill in a 37-9 vote.
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FY12 spending would focus on “maintaining assets,” including roads, parks, police cruiser. Also possible: first raise in 3 years for town employees.

Finance director Eric Hardy showed a slide noting that the town is spending less than expected from its reserves. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Davidson officials outlined a proposed 2011-12 town general fund budget on Tuesday night that would keep the tax rate flat – despite rising property values in the recent revaluation – and boost spending 4.5 percent from this year, to $9 million.

In a presentation at the Town Board work session, Finance Director Eric Hardy said the proposal would cover essential expenses; fund badly-needed work on streets, sidewalks, parks and buildings; and pay for police cruisers and firefighting gear, among other things. Read the full story

The MI-Connection Communications System Board of Directors will hold its regular monthly meeting at a new time and location this Thursday, April 28. The board also gets a new non-voting member this week, appointed by the Cornelius Town Board.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., at Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St.
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Davidson Town Board holds its monthly work session Tuesday night, when it’s expected to hear a presentation from Finance Director Eric Hardy about the the outlook for the 2011-12 budget, including property tax revenues, and projected costs of the MI-Connection cable system.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. Read the full story

Dave Munger

By DAVE MUNGER

First of 3 parts

Like many area residents, I became frustrated with our local cable TV service years ago, back when it was called Prestige Cable. The service would cut out for days at a time, there was a limited channel selection, and cheaper options were becoming available. I decided to sign up for DirecTV, and for years didn’t consider returning to a wired cable service.

When the local towns purchased what had then become a part of Adelphia Cable and turned it into MI-Connection, I thought about resubscribing, but the rates quoted on the website were more expensive than my satellite service, and their included DVR didn’t seem as good as the TiVo service I got from DirecTV. Read the full story