[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] Mayor [Mayor's Full Name] [City Hall Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Board of Aldermen [City Hall Address] [City, State, Zip Code] Subject: Follow-up on Cable Rate Regulation in Vermont Dear Mayor [Mayor's Last Name] and Esteemed Members of the Board of Aldermen, I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. Firstly, I would like to extend my gratitude for your efforts in overseeing the municipal affairs of our beloved city. Today, I write to you with a matter of great importance concerning cable rate regulation in Vermont. Cable television plays a significant role in providing entertainment, news, and educational content to residents across our state. Recently, however, there have been concerns regarding escalating cable bills and the lack of control over cable rates. As concerned citizens, we believe it is crucial for local authorities to address this issue promptly to protect the interests of consumers. As we are aware, Vermont, being a small state with a close-knit community, has a unique perspective on municipal governance and the importance of local control. With this in mind, I would like to draw attention to some key points related to cable rate regulation: 1. Cable Service Provider Accountability: Cable service providers should be held accountable for the rates they charge customers. There is a need for increased transparency in pricing, promotion, and billing practices safeguarding the interests of consumers in Vermont. 2. State-Level Intervention: While local authorities have limited power in regulating cable rates due to federal preemption, we urge you to collaborate with state-level regulators and legislators to explore possible avenues for intervention. Work within the existing legal framework to ensure that cable operators are subjected to fair industry practices. 3. Promoting Competition: Encouraging healthy competition among cable service providers is vital to prevent monopolistic practices that often lead to increased prices for consumers. Explore opportunities to incentivize new providers to enter the market and offer affordable alternatives for residents. 4. Public Hearings: Organizing public hearings to gather feedback from residents about their cable experiences and concerns can provide valuable insights. These hearings would enable you to better understand the specific challenges faced by different neighborhoods and communities within our city. 5. Collaboration with Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC): Engage with the PUC to foster a structured dialogue on cable rate regulation. Leverage their expertise to explore potential avenues for protecting consumer interests and ensuring fair pricing. I kindly request you to consider the aforementioned points and take proactive steps to address cable rate regulation in our city. The well-being and satisfaction of our residents should always be at the heart of our decision-making processes. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I believe that with your strong leadership and commitment to the community, we can pave the way for better cable services and fair pricing in Vermont. I look forward to hearing about the progress made in this regard. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information or if I can be of assistance in any way. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]