Northfielders urged to show support for broadband

Greenfield Recorder 09/11/2013, Page C01

Recorder Staff

NORTHFIELD — Residents are asked to come to Town Hall Thursday, so their voices may carry all the way to the Statehouse.

Those who would like to support a state bill to bring broadband communications to the unserved areas of partially served towns have their chance to be heard.

Many in “partially served” towns have worried recently that they will not be included in the state’s efforts to bring broadband cable and Internet access to western Massachusetts towns.

Introduced by Gov. Deval Patrick, the IT Bond Bill for Universal Broadband Access began in the House of Representatives.

At 7 p.m. Thursday in Town Hall, Rep. Paul Mark will attend a meeting of the town’s Electronics Communications Committee. He is compiling constituents’ testimony, to bring before the House in an upcoming hearing at the Statehouse.

Those who would like their comments added to the record may bring signed letters indicating their support to Thursday’s meeting for Rep. Mark to take.

They should be addressed to: Chairman Antonio F.D. Cabral House Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, Room 466, Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA 02133.

Those who are able may also appear in person at the Statehouse hearing in Boston, at 11 a.m. on Sept. 18.