Lafayette Chamber Declines to Oppose Self-Reliance

The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce has issued a new position paper, Public vs. Private Sector Investmen (PDF), that joins its earlier Broadband Position Statement (Word doc) to flesh out previously unknown category of public position statements: The “We are gratified to announce that we do not condemn that which we should endorse.”

It comes in 5 clauses marked by roman numerals for which, even though they are not in Latin, translation into standard English may prove useful and efficient:

1. Private is good.

2. Public support of private companies is good provided that the benefit is of the sort that can be measured, that outside people think its worthwhile, and the company can make good money.

3. It’s ok to give money to private companies and it is ok for public entities to partner with private ones.

4. If private companies won’t do it then the people can do it for themselves.

Between this document and the Broadband document the good news is that the Chamber is taking the stalwart position that it will not actively and as a matter of principle oppose Lafayette’s Fiber For the Future Initiative.

What it does not exemplify is community spirit, rational self-interest, or leadership.

Community Spirit: Building a true broadband network is the development opportunity of a lifetime–or several. There is no single investment in ourselves more likely to propel Lafayette and her people from game players in the middle of the pack to clear and proud leaders. A cheap, high-quality telecom sector can serve to equalize opportunity between this community’s haves and have nots. It’s sad that community spirit alone is not enough to move the chamber.

Rational Self-interest: The people in the community that are most likely to benefit first and most directly are local business (new and not yet formed) that will get cheap bandwidth on our version of information super highway that will equal the resources available to the worlds largest corporations at a tiny fraction of the cost. It is our businesses (as opposed to Atlanta’s) that are bearing the brunt of what MIke correctly calls the “Incumbent Bandwidth Tax:” that additional cost that locals pay for being in Lafayette that their competitors, headquartered in places where big broadband is available less expensively, do not pay. It’s sad that the “leadership” cannot see what the benefit of cheap fiber to every corner of this town could mean for local businesses.

Leadership: I do not believe that many, no most, of the chamber membership doesn’t get this–or couldn’t be easily lead to see what is so clear and so much a part of their business life. The failure is at the leadership level where there appears to be an unwillingness to risk power and position in pursuit of what is right for the community in the face of the few, who ideologically or through personal ties and ambitions, are committed to the cause of corporations that do not care about Lafayette or her people. The problem here is that while folks may believe that they are preserving power and position for later use the truth is that influence unexercised atrophies. Use it or lose it. Exercise makes not only muscles stronger. The chamber may emerge from this without offending any fraction of it membership only to discover that the community no longer believes it can count on the chamber for leadership that puts the community first. Leadership is a precious commodity in any community; it is sad to see it squandered on mere personal self-interest.

All that said, there is a part of me that is gratified for anything I can get from this quarter and the assurance that LUS and the City will not be blindsided by Picard’s Chamber is substantial comfort.

And that is the saddest comment of all.

650 thoughts on “Lafayette Chamber Declines to Oppose Self-Reliance”

  1. One important note. No one has asked the chamber to take an official position. As pointed out in an earlier post the technology committee did make one request to present the broadband policy (didn’t happen), but no committee has forwarded a motion to the board with a recommendation. For this to happen someone would need to go to a committee meeting and make the appropriate motions. LUS, nor Cox, nor BellSouth, nor fiber411, nor anyone else has asked the chamber to move forward on an official position.

    I think that now that they have a broadband policy in place and some guidelines to evaluate public vs. private there could be some movement, but we will see. I have heard that it is a topic at almost every committee meeting, and pretty much an even divide among active participants. Who knows!

  2. To Anonymous:

    “The Chamber has not been asked to take a postion”?

    This is the lamest excuse for inaction ever offered for an organization that has, in the past, shown no hesitancy whatsoever to interject itself in issues — whether an invitation was issued or not!

    The Chamber is failing the test of community leadership on the LUS project. Their silence and their failure to acknowledge — and then act on behalf of — the clear interest of businesses and consumers in getting access to the world class technology that LUS alone offers to bring here are powerful indictments of the failure of nerve that characterizes the Chamber today. This failure will result in a loss of credibility that will haunt the organization for years to come.

    Since when does an organization truly interested in the well-being of a community need an invitation or a formal request to get involved in an issue of great community import.

    Shame on the Chamber for hiding behind empty statements like the one issued today on public/private initiatives. And shame, too, on those who would attempt to make excuses for them.

  3. On reflection, what is most interesting about the “nobody has asked defense” is just the bare fact of it: Nobody has asked.

    No one, public or private, is confident that a debate in the chamber will break their way and no one, apparently, is willing to risk it.

    Of course the bottom line is not the asking part. No one has to ask the chamber to express an opinion about anything. Certainly not the school board for instance. The Chamber with its two position papers is carefully positioning itself to not have to take a stand. No one reading them would think the Chamber would want to be asked.

    To make it clear that the chamber does not want to be asked is the chief practical function of these documents.

    And they are very effective at that.

  4. Thank you for great article. Hello Administ . Onwin engelsiz giriş adresi ile 7/24 siteye butonlarımızla erişim sağlayabilir ve Onwin üyelik işlemini 3 dakika da halledebilirsiniz. onwin , onwin giriş , onwin güncel giriş , onwin

  5. Thank you great post. Hello Administ .Onwin engelsiz giriş adresi ile 7/24 siteye butonlarımızla erişim sağlayabilir ve Onwin üyelik işlemini 3 dakika da halledebilirsiniz. onwin , onwin giriş , onwin güncel giriş , onwin

  6. Thank you great post. Hello Administ .Onwin engelsiz giriş adresi ile 7/24 siteye butonlarımızla erişim sağlayabilir ve Onwin üyelik işlemini 3 dakika da halledebilirsiniz. onwin , onwin giriş , onwin güncel giriş , onwin

  7. I really love to read such an excellent article. Helpful article. Hello Administ . child porn 現場兒童色情片 活婴儿色情片 儿童色情 児童ポルノ 兒童色情 国产线播放免费人成视频播放 国产线播放免费人成视频播放

  8. Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Onwin engelsiz giriş adresi ile 7/24 siteye butonlarımıza Tiklayip erişim sağlayabilir ve Onwin üyelik işlemini 3 dakika da halledebilirsiniz.

  9. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Onwin engelsiz giriş adresi ile 7/24 siteye butonlarımıza Tiklayip erişim sağlayabilir ve Onwin üyelik işlemini 3 dakika da halledebilirsiniz.

  10. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Onwin nedir? Kaçak bahis camiası içerisinde en yüksek oranlara, avantajlı bonuslara ve zengin spor bahisleri, casino bölümleriyledebilirsiniz. https://seowebtasarim.net/onwin/

  11. Great post thank you. Hello Administ . Onwin nedir? Kaçak bahis camiası içerisinde en yüksek oranlara, avantajlı bonuslara ve zengin spor bahisleri, casino bölümleriyledebilirsiniz.

  12. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.Dünyanın her yerinden kalite puanı yüksek sitelerden hacklink almak için bizimle iletişim kurabilirsiniz. Hacklink ihtiyaçlarınledebilirsiniz.

  13. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.Dünyanın her yerinden kalite puanı yüksek sitelerden hacklink almak için bizimle iletişim kurabilirsiniz. Hacklink ihtiyaçlarınledebilirsiniz.

  14. Thank you for great article. Hello Administ . Dünyanın her yerinden kalite puanı yüksek sitelerden hacklink almak için bizimle iletişim kurabilirsiniz. Hacklink ihtiyaçlarınledebilirsiniz.

  15. Thank you for content. Area rugs and online home decor store. Hello Administ . Dünyanın her yerinden kalite puanı yüksek sitelerden hacklink almak için bizimle iletişim kurabilirsiniz. Hacklink ihtiyaçlarınledebilirsiniz.

  16. After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.Onwin nedir? Kaçak bahis camiası içerisinde en yüksek oranlara, avantajlı bonuslara ve zengin spor bahisleri, casino bölümleriyledebilirsiniz.

  17. Thank you for great information. Hello Administ . Dünyanın her yerinden kalite puanı yüksek sitelerden hacklink almak için bizimle iletişim kurabilirsiniz. Hacklink ihtiyaçlarınledebilirsiniz.

  18. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Dünyanın her yerinden kalite puanı yüksek sitelerden hacklink almak için bizimle iletişim kurabilirsiniz. Hacklink ihtiyaçlarınledebilirsiniz.

  19. Great post thank you. Hello Administ . Dünyanın her yerinden kalite puanı yüksek sitelerden hacklink almak için bizimle iletişim kurabilirsiniz. Hacklink ihtiyaçlarınledebilirsiniz.

  20. Thank you great posting about essential oil. Hello Administ . Dünyanın her yerinden kalite puanı yüksek sitelerden hacklink almak için bizimle iletişim kurabilirsiniz. Hacklink ihtiyaçlarınledebilirsiniz.

  21. Thank you great post. Hello Administ .Dünyanın her yerinden kalite puanı yüksek sitelerden hacklink almak için bizimle iletişim kurabilirsiniz. Hacklink ihtiyaçlarınledebilirsiniz.

  22. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. casibom

  23. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. onwin

  24. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. onwin

  25. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. onwin

  26. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Casibom

  27. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Casibom

  28. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. onwin

  29. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Bahsegel

  30. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Metropol Halı Karaca Halı Öztekin ve Selçuklu Halı Cami Halısı ve Cami Halıları Türkiye’nin En Büyük Cami Halısı Fabrikasıyız…

  31. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  32. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  33. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Onwin , Onwin Giriş Onwin“>Hacklink panel

  34. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Click on the Keyword to Enter the Website. Cepbahis

  35. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Click on the Keyword to Enter the Website. RoyalBet

  36. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Hacklink Panel Hacklink

  37. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Hacklink Panel Hacklink

  38. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Click on the Keyword to Enter the Website. RoyalBet

  39. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Onwin , Onwin Giriş , Onwin Güncel Giriş , Tiklayin. Onwin

  40. After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader. Onwin , Onwin Giriş , Onwin Güncel Giriş , Tiklayin. Onwin

  41. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Onwin , Onwin Giriş , Onwin Güncel Giriş , Tiklayin. Onwin

  42. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Website Giriş için Tıklayin. onwin

  43. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Website Giriş için Tıklayin. casibom

  44. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Hacklink Panel Hacklink

  45. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Hacklink Panel Hacklink

  46. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Hacklink Panel Hacklink

  47. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Hacklink Panel Hacklink

  48. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. 儿童色情 儿童色情片

  49. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. 国产线播放免费人成视频播放 儿童色情片

  50. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. 儿童色情 儿童色情片

  51. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Hacklink Panel Hacklink

  52. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. 国产线播放免费人成视频播放 儿童色情片

  53. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  54. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  55. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  56. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Madridbet , madridbet giriş , madridbet güncel giriş , madridbet yeni giriş , madridbet giriş

  57. smmpanel,smm panel,smm panel ,instagram takipçi hilesi, instagram takipçi arttırma, instagram takipçi hilesi 2023, instagram takipçi hilesi 2023, instagram takipçi hilesi nasıl yapılır, instagram takipçi hilesi şifresiz, instagram takipçi hilesi uygulama, instagram takipçi hilesi ücretsiz, instagram bedava takipçi hilesi, instagram bedava takipçi hilesi nasıl yapılır, takipçi hilesi, takipçi hilesi 2021, takipçi hilesi instagram 2023, takipçi hilesi nasıl yapılır, takipçi hilesi #instagram

  58. smmpanel,smm panel,smm panel ,instagram takipçi hilesi, instagram takipçi arttırma, instagram takipçi hilesi 2023, instagram takipçi hilesi 2023, instagram takipçi hilesi nasıl yapılır, instagram takipçi hilesi şifresiz, instagram takipçi hilesi uygulama, instagram takipçi hilesi ücretsiz, instagram bedava takipçi hilesi, instagram bedava takipçi hilesi nasıl yapılır, takipçi hilesi, takipçi hilesi 2021, takipçi hilesi instagram 2023, takipçi hilesi nasıl yapılır, takipçi hilesi #instagram

  59. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  60. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  61. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  62. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  63. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  64. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  65. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  66. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  67. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Casibom Website Giriş : Casibom

  68. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  69. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.

  70. After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader. Websiteye Giriş için Tıklayın. a href=”https://cutt.ly/SahabetSosyal/” title=”Sahabet” rel=”dofollow”>Sahabet

  71. After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader. Websiteye Giriş için Tıklayın. a href=”https://cutt.ly/SahabetSosyal/” title=”Sahabet” rel=”dofollow”>Sahabet

  72. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.Onwin Giriş için Tıklayın onwin

  73. Thank you for great information. Hello Administ . Websiteye Giriş için Tıklayın. a href=”https://cutt.ly/SahabetSosyal/” title=”Sahabet” rel=”dofollow”>Sahabet

  74. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Website Giriş için Tıklayın. Starzbet

  75. Thank you great posting about essential oil. Hello Administ . Websiteye Giriş için Tıklayın. a href=”https://cutt.ly/SahabetSosyal/” title=”Sahabet” rel=”dofollow”>Sahabet

  76. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Websiteye Giriş için Tıklayın. a href=”https://cutt.ly/SahabetSosyal/” title=”Sahabet” rel=”dofollow”>Sahabet

  77. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet

  78. I really love to read such an excellent article. Helpful article. Hello Administ . Websiteye Giriş için Tıklayın. a href=”https://cutt.ly/SahabetSosyal/” title=”Sahabet” rel=”dofollow”>Sahabet

  79. Thank you for great information. Hello Administ . Websiteye Giriş için Tıklayın. a href=”https://cutt.ly/SahabetSosyal/” title=”Sahabet” rel=”dofollow”>Sahabet

  80. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Websiteye Giriş için Tıklayın. a href=”https://cutt.ly/SahabetSosyal/” title=”Sahabet” rel=”dofollow”>Sahabet

  81. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet

  82. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.