Cable franchise fee hike good for city

The Modesto City Council is to be commended for raising the cable TV franchise fee from 3 percent to its full legal limit of 5 percent. It is an action the council should have taken years ago and reflects a common-sense approach to fiscal responsibility.

Likewise, it is hoped the council will act wisely in implementing the new state cable law known as the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act. In doing so, the council would fulfill the city's strategic plan to "provide equal access to local public television for all sectors of the community." It is a goal that is shared equally by the public, government and education communities.

MARK LOOKER former chairman, Modesto Local Cable Programming Committee

Modesto