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Dec. 10, 2007 For Immediate Release Cavender On Governor’s Internet Task Force St. James — Richard Cavender, executive director of Meramec Regional Plannning Commission in St. James, is one of some 25 Missourians appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt to his Rural High-Speed Internet Access Task Force. The purpose of the task force is to identify opportunities to increase access to technology across the state. Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder will chair the group as they examine how best to ensure Missourians have access to the latest technology. In an effort to better understand the availability of service and needs in the Meramec Region, Cavender is encouraging comments and ideas from local Internet providers and users. “If people are experiencing problems accessing the Internet, I would like to hear from them,” said Cavender. “Their suggestions will help our task force better understand the wide variety of needs across rural Missouri, and that will lead to better recommendations for addressing the issues.” Gov. Matt Blunt, in a state press release, pointed out the need for the task force. “It is important that we help expand access to high-speed Internet to all parts of Missouri ensuring that no Missourian is left out of today’s technology-based economy,” he said. “Unfortunately, many communities in rural Missouri lack access to the infrastructure necessary for high-speed Internet, and this problem is inhibiting job growth and economic expansion. I have tasked Peter Kinder and others on the task force to find innovative solutions to help ensure that all Missourians have access to high-speed Internet access wherever they live.” The group met for the first time in December. Gov. Blunt directed the task force to:
“If you have ideas or suggestions that would help the committee better understand rural Internet needs, I encourage you to call me or email me with your thoughts,” Cavender said. He can be reached at 573-265-2993 or by email at rac at meramecregion.org. “I would especially like to hear from those in the telecommunications business.” Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. A professional staff of 25, directed by the 52-member MRPC board, offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities. |