[Editorial] The move by Lafayette (LA) city officials to build a municipal "triple play" video, phone and data system shows spunk and creativity. The plan mirrors the action Lafayette's city fathers took a century ago when
they realized the private power companies were passing them by in favor of larger, more lucrative markets in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. To survive, they built their own municipal power system. The future of Lafayette shouldn't be left to the whim of the big telecommunications companies, insists City Parish President Joey Durel. Installing fiber-optic cable, he credibly argues, is no different from laying down sidewalks or sewer lines. Louisiana regulators are busy reviewing the case. But for Lafayette to lose, there are a couple of things the regulators will have to ignore: fairness and common sense. [SOURCE: USAToday, AUTHOR: USAToday Editorial Staff] http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20050111/edit11.art.htm