Skelton Meets with County Officials
Posted By J.T. on August 21, 2009
Gary Mallory, Presiding Commissioner of Cass County, recently contacted Congressman Ike Skelton and expressed concerns about the unfunded FCC mandate to update all emergency responder radio systems. The County Commission also expressed concern about a Congressional sub-committee that tucked $160 million into the defense budget for new radio-communications for the Mexican police. The Congressman’s office immediately did research and discovered what the sub-committee had done. Soon after, the Congressman agreed to come to Cass County and discuss the issue.
This past week, Congressman Skelton met with the Cass County Commission, law enforcement, fire-fighters, mayors, and emergency responders from around Cass County to discuss the FCC mandate and the high costs being passed down to local governments.
“It was a very productive meeting,” stated Gary Mallory. “The Congressman got to see the real people who are impacted by the federal mandate to upgrade our systems and hear how the communications systems work.”
The Congressman, a former prosecutor, was very receptive to the information as law enforcement officers and fire-fighters shared about the real issues they face in communications.
Associate Commissioner Brian Baker introduced the discussion explaining the FCC mandates coming in 2013 that will force emergency responders to use a more narrow -bandwidth communications system. “The FCC will not be issuing certain licenses after 2013…and the new band-width will require more repeater-stations and new radios for our personnel. The cost is high for Cass County,” stated Baker. “We are simply asking Congress to assist us in this upgrade.” Baker was pleased with the Congressman’s response.
“He asked us to write a letter asking for the ‘kitchen sink’,” stated Baker. “He was clear that he could not make promises, but he also stated he understood how this was going to impact us…and I believe he was sincere and will look for ways to help us. The fact that he came to Cass County personally for this issue really stands out.”
Mallory was equally pleased. “I sincerely appreciate the Congressman coming to Cass County. It shows that Cass County, as a whole, is taking a real leadership role in our region and state.”
Mayor Juan Alonzo was also in attendance and spoke about the issue. Both he and Baker served on the 911-Interoperability Committee with the Mid-America Regional Council. “Juan has been a huge help. His military background and his understanding of communications are helping us develop a clear message,” commented Baker.
Marlene Nagel, from the Mid-American Regional Council was also in attendance. MARC is working with Cass County to provide a clear dollar-figure for the nine-county MARC region.
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