In fact, the great risks taken by broadcasters of TV, phone, and cable system providers  have sometimes been met with great losses that forced efficiency changes, and platform enhancements to create a more sound and innovative business model.  Competition to phone, internet and news services have been seen from cable, phone, television, and private providers.  Some of these models have encouraged real technological improvements to serve their customers DESIRES.

But in no case, was any customer forced into an arrangement they did not want.  Either by an automatic subscription to a service, or through a fee or charge from taxing authority as unaccountable as a DDA.

In my own times of financial distress, I have had the opportunity to turn off the cable.  To limit my expense for phone or internet service.  The folks who pay taxes and assessments in Traverse City would not be so lucky and have those decisions available were this to pass.

They will have no choice, but to pay for it.  A city commission in Michigan engaging in this type of social welfare program to indigent Mac-Book users, at the expense of many who still don't even know what a google is, reveals much.  An ignorance of current economic realities, and an unwillingness to regard the true importance of life's frivolities.

So I agree with Mr. Skinner of the Empire planning commission.