HomeNet attacks Baker on fiber

PUD candidate says attack falsely characterizes him

EPHRATA — HomeNet Northwest, an Internet service provider, e-mailed customers Wednesday, accusing Grant County Public Utility District commissioner candidate Ron Baker of opposing build out of the Zipp fiber optic network.

HomeNet, the largest Grant County provider at approximately 815 customers, said three PUD candidates are for continued build out of Zipp, "however, Ron Baker is not," according to the e-mail.

Baker, a retired civil engineer and businessman, said HomeNet falsely characterized his position on fiber optic system build out. The provider drafted the e-mail following comments Baker made at Monday's candidate forum at Moses Lake High School.

"We at HomeNet have been watching the primary and general elections very closely this year," the company wrote. "One of the items that are important to us is the continued, fiscally responsible build out of the Zipp fiber program."

"I personally want to see fiber built out, but I want to do it in a fiscally responsible manner," Baker said Thursday, when asked his position on the politically-sensitive issue.

New technologies must be considered, he added, along with how the system is to be built out.

"I do believe that part of it will be wireless, just because of the economics," Baker said.

The e-mail amounts to political sabotage, Baker said, the timing of it couldn't be worse.

"We're in a period where people are filling out their ballots," he said. "I assume it was meant as a slam against me and a recommendation for my opponent."

Baker, of Moses Lake, is battling Terry Brewer, a Soap Lake resident and economic development booster, for the District No. 1 commission post currently held by Vera Claussen.

Baker was asked Monday night by forum moderators whether he intends to build out the fiber optic network.

"I believe fiber is good for the county, I still stand by my earlier remarks. I want to see a market study that shows there is a need for it. Then I want to see a cost-to-benefit analysis that tells us how we're going to build it out, how we're going to pay for it and what the benefit is to the county," he said.

Earlier in the forum, Baker discussed the importance of a fiber optic network to Microsoft and Yahoo! Inc., Internet titans locating data centers in Quincy.

The e-mail concluded: "After listening to all of the candidates speak at last night's final forum at Moses Lake High School, we believe Ron Baker is opposed to the fiber program here in Grant County."

Kelly Ryan, a consultant for HomeNet, said the company let each candidate be fully heard before deciding who to oppose and who to support.

HomeNet wanted "yes" or "no" statements of support, Ryan said.

"(Baker's) been non committal," Ryan said at the provider's Ephrata office Thursday. "If nothing else, (the e-mail) gives Ron an opportunity to go on the record and publicly support build out."

If Baker does, Ryan promised HomeNet would update their message to customers.

Some HomeNet customers, Ryan said, asked the company who to vote for in the PUD races.

"We're just about keeping our customers informed," he said.

HomeNet requires the fiber optic system to deliver video, Internet and phone services, called "Triple Play," he said. Ryan claims wireless can't support all three services, so they need a fiber optic network.

In March 2005, the PUD commission majority voted to halt construction of the fiber optic network, leaving it in "stand pat" mode.

PUD staff members said the 2004 financial performance showed the network had a $6 million operating loss, driving the commission to make the stand pat decision, according to an April 2005 PUD news release.