[RP TownTalk] Cable TV Franchise

[jdholmes at comcast.net]

Mayor Archer 

  

I am reading your notice about the hearing scheduled for today June 4, 2012 on the franchise contract with Comcast.  Is there a reason why the residents of Riverdale Park are not given ample time to respond.  A notice of at least 30 day would have been proper for this hearing (not 2 days).  Hopefully you will reschedule or continue the hearing to allow residents to respond. 


I have been asking town officials for the past two years if the Town of Riverdale Park has a Cable TV Franchise Committee, no one will give me an answer.  Prince George's County and most of the local governments in the area have a Cable TV Franchise Committee that review complaints from residents about Comcast or Verizon.  Chapter 61 of the Town Code has regulations that already give the Town authority to review an d regulate cable TV costs. 

Comcast has been increasing it's rates and decreasing it's service for many years without any oversight from the Town.  According to last years budget report, the Town of Riverdale Park collected over $64,000.00 in Cable TV Franchise Fees.  What has the Town done for the residents?  It appears nothing. 

  

I have written to you directly last year to file a formal complaint about being overcharged by Comcast on the Franchise Fee.  I have only received one response by Colleen Ferguson, She stated "we are asking PG County about the Franchise Fee". 

  

Why does it take so long to investigate a complaint.  Are the residents of Riverdale Park being overcharged on the Cable TV Franchise Fee   Yes or NO 

  

My recommendation is to abolish this fee.  It is just another hidden Tax for the residents of Riverdale Park. 

  

I have attached a post from the Town Blog from last year that stated my concerns.  I can also provide direct e-mail messages that have been sent or received from you if needed. 

  

  

  

Posted  at 8:37 AM 0 comments  Friday, September 30, 2011  [RP TownTalk ] 

  

Cable TV Franchise Fee 
  
Can anyone advise how the Cable TV Franchise Fee rate is set. I 
received my Comcast bill for this month and the Franchise Fee is listed 
at $4.26. The fee has varied from $1.53 in June 2010 to the current 
rate of $4.26. I have made numerous requests to the Town of Riverdale 
Park and Comcast to explain how this fee is charged, no one will answer 
my question. 


  

Chapter 61 of the Town Code provides for the establishment of the Cable 
TV Franchise Authority. Who is in charge of this Authority? Is there a 
Chairperson or Committee that represents the residents of Riverdale Park 
in dealing with the cable TV companies? Comcast has made several major 
changes to the service that is provided and increased their rates. 

  

Did you know that effective October 27, 2011, you must have a digital device 
adapter on all TV's that is rented by Comcast to receive any cable TV 
channels, this includes the Town of Riverdale Park channel. 


James Holmes 
Taylor Road 

  

 
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