Ronda Rudd Menlove

From WikTOPIA

Here are the responses to candidate questions from Ronda Rudd Menlove.

Contents 1 2008 Campaign for State House 1 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 House 1

Candidate Responses

1. Do you generally support or oppose projects like UTOPIA and iProvo?
   
   Response:"I support these projects with the goal of expanding public access to low cost high speed data connections."
   
   
2. What is the basis for your support or opposition?
   
   Response:"I represent Tremonton City and work closely with Brigham City. These cities see UTOPIA as a benefit to economic development and personal development of their citizens. They are willing to invest to improve access to high speed data connections."
   
   
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 both the concept and the implementation in my local community. Rural communities often must find solutions that are not applicable in larger, more urban communities."
   
   
4. What is your position on the regulation of incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) such as Qwest?
   
   Response:"I don't have a current position on this issue."
   
   
5. What is your position on the regulation of incumbent cable companies such as Comcast?
   
   Response:"I don't have a current position on this issue."
   
   
6. What role, if any, should the state play in allegations of unfair business practices leveled at incumbent carriers such as Qwest and Comcast?
   
   Response:"IThe state should ensure that any entity act with the best interest of the public in mind and that current laws be followed."
   
   
7. What proposals or concepts do you support to bring better broadband access to rurals Utahns?
   
   Response:"I support any proposal that brings better access to rural Utahns. Living in rural Utah, I know firsthand how frustrating it is to obtain effective high speed data connections. It is inhibiting industry and agriculture. The low numbers of residents discourages most private companies from providing this services in low population areas of the state."
   
   
8. What proposals or concepts do you support to improve average broadband speeds to be better competitive on an international basis?
   
   Response:"I have not opinion on this. I haven't studied this issue."
   
   
9. What proposals or concepts do you support to increase competitive options for Internet, television and telephone services?
   
   Response:"I don't have any proposal at this point in time; however, I believe that rural issues must be addressed so Utah residents, businesses, industry, and agriculture have the same level of access at an affordable price. If this means state subsidies, then that may be a good option."
   
   
10. Do you have any other related comments you would like to add?
    
    Response:"Thank you for the time and attention that you are devoting to this important issues."
    
    

FreeUTOPIA Position on Candidate

Positive

This candidate has first-hand experience with the difficulties of obtaining broadband in rural areas and is supportive of projects like UTOPIA that help bring access to these areas.

Mixed

This candidate does not have specific positions on a variety of telecommunications issues, but is willing to learn more about them.

Negative

N/A

Overall Rating

Leans Positive (4/5). While light on specific proposals, this candidate understands the importance of rural broadband and the failure of incumbent providers to provide it.