It has been some time since I sent anything to your very fine newspaper, as my/our family has been away on family business.

Having stated and said that, I have read that others have submitted articles, relating to “our” Charter TV package. I firmly disagree with how our local governing body is going about dealing with what we get, or do not receive. Far too many times they are off the airways.

I do know what some of the language says about what we do receive and don’t receive, from any cable provider, not just Charter Communications, but any cable provider. Having said that, I contacted our Albert Lea city manager and asked her what the city of Albert Lea is doing in attempting to decide what we are going to possibly receive, and what our local govering body is doing in reference to that matter. This is what I/we received:

“The franchise agreement with Charter is due to expire on May 1, 2011.

“There are several provisions within the Cable Act that must be followed. This will be a project for the new city attorney and new City Council members that will be seated in January. We will be scheduling discussions with Charter after the first of the new year.”

With all the various companies that are in the business of selling and installing receivers, that are put on house roofs, or elsewhere, to receive the transmitted picture, we as John Q. Public are losing much if any voice in what we do or don’t receive. The more people leave any cable system in any given town, the less voice we have. If this media is important to you or your family, you best be heard. I did contact a firm in our neighboring town. It puts a dish on your facility/building to receive their signal and the price is much better and their signal is not interrupted as much as with our local company. Media Communication and U.S. Cable have both in recent conversations that I had with both, some time ago, said that they were interested in talking to our city council about possibly being our replacement provider.

John Reid

Albert Lea