Jonathan "Jon" Fidler

From WikTOPIA

Here are the responses to candidate questions from Jonathan "Jon" Fidler.

Contents 1 2008 Campaign for State Senate 5 1.1 Candidate Responses 1.2 FreeUTOPIA Position on Candidate 1.2.1 Positive 1.2.2 Mixed 1.2.3 Negative 1.2.4 Overall Rating

2008 Campaign for State Senate 5

Candidate Responses

1. Do you generally support or oppose projects like UTOPIA and iProvo?
   
   Response:"Definitely supportive of high speed/low cost Internet. I see our futures being fully dependent on the Internet and the content it brings to our families."
   
   
2. What is the basis for your support or opposition?
   
   Response:"Improved technology means improved ability to learn. Our children have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips that can easily encourage learning. Our children deserve more!"
   
   
3. Is your support or opposition based on the general concept or specific implementations used in UTOPIA and/or iProvo?
   
   Response:"My support is based on the general concept of providing low cost, high bandwidth Internet solutions to more people of Utah. I would love to see Utah at the forefront of the technology boom."
   
   
4. What is your position on the regulation of incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) such as Qwest?
   
   Response:"I understand most communication services (especially Qwest and Comcast) oppose alternative low cost high speed Internet services in Utah. Other than this issue, I do not have a definitive stand for or against regulating these companies. This means I must first hear arguments from both sides before I can make a valid stance. There are obvious pros and cons for both sides, these issues would need to be addressed."
   
   
5. What is your position on the regulation of incumbent cable companies such as Comcast?
   
   Response:"Same as #4 above."
   
   
6. What role, if any, should the federal government play in allegations of unfair business practices leveled at incumbent carriers such as Qwest and Comcast?
   
   Response:"A perfect world would remove the need for the government to regulate against unfair business practices. However we do not live in a perfect world, this is why we have ongoing legislation which is meant to maintain a fair and democratic life for our citizens and businesses."
   
   
7. What proposals or concepts do you support to bring better broadband access to rurals Utahns?
   
   Response:"I wish to hear any proposal you have available, these people need the Internet too. See #9 below."
   
   
8. What proposals or concepts do you support to improve average broadband speeds to be better competitive on an international basis?
   
   Response:"Same as #7 above."
   
   
9. What proposals or concepts do you support to increase competitive options for Internet, television and telephone services?
   
   Response:"More options create competition, which in turn creates innovative services and lower prices for the people. We have several options still largely unexplored. Two other options we have only begun to tap are the TV airwaves and WiFi."
   
   
10. Do you have any other related comments you would like to add?
    
    Response:"Always be willing to stand up for what you feel is right."
    
    

FreeUTOPIA Position on Candidate

Positive

This candidate is supportive of projects like UTOPIA and is aware of the 700MHz auction. He also understands that a world-class telecommunications system is necessary for education and economic development.

Mixed

Some of this candidates responses do not address specifics. He is also unsure as to what kinds of regulations incumbent providers should be subject to but is willing to hear out all sides.

Negative

N/A

Overall Rating

Leans Positive (4/5). While light on specifics, this candidate is supportive of solid broadband concepts.