Burlington Telecom: The Critical Conditions Part 2

by Chris Campion

As we dive deeper into the Public Service Board's  Proposal for Decision, Condition 60 arises as one of the pivots upon which the fate of BT hangs, and perhaps the City of Burlington does as well:

When seen in the context of the provisions of the city charter, which the state legislature enacted specifically to protect taxpayers from any liability for the losses and costs of Burlington Telecom, the necessity for strict compliance with Condition 60 should have been absolutely clear to the City of Burlington.  The importance of the City's compliance with this condition was further emphasized by the explicit direction at the end of Condition 60 that the City obtain Board approval prior to appropriating any funds on behalf of Burlington Telecom other than as permitted by the condition.

The City seemed to ignore the provisions of Condition 60 just as much as BT ignored the provisions.  The City of Burlington (the entity that shelled out $17,000,000 with no taxpayer input) has yet to disclose how and why it chose to take this action, although Kiss has admitted that his office has "acknowledged its license violations".  No chance of this occurring before the checks were cut, it seems.

Comments

[Cheshire Cat]

Set up the 'National Razor' at the top of Church St. Don't have one, borrow France's item, they're not using it at the moment.

The clatter of wooden cart wheels on the Street brick really adds a festive air to the tumbrel ride given to the City Hall miscreants.

Just like at the barbershop, someone can call out "NEXT."