Terrebonne council’s Williams named to FCC committee

Terrebonne Parish Councilwoman Arlanda Williams has been named one of four municipal representatives from across the nation to join the Federal Communications Commission Intergovernmental Advisory Committee.

“I’m still excited,” Williams said after her appointment was confirmed on Friday. Williams said the selection was related to her work as president of the National Association of Black County Officials.

“I work through the National Association of Black County Officials and one of my objectives was to push the implementation of broadband and the adoption in underserved communities,” she said.

The Terrebonne councilwoman explained that she and others have looked at what is offered industrially and culturally from the Tri-parish area and believe south Louisiana is due recognition to be better equipped for the 21st century.

Williams’ work captured the attention of Paula Hoisington with Netcom Works who nominated her for the position.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski listed Williams’ appointment in an email and explained the workings of the IAC.

According to Genachowski, the IAC is comprised of 15 representatives of local state and tribal governments who are recommended based on their expertise in telecommunications policy.

IAC members make recommendations to the FCC regarding various forms of telecommunications during their two-year appointments.

Along wth Williams, municipal members of the IAC include: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg who will function through designate lawyers Radhika Karmarkar and Bruce Regal; Mayor Gary Resnick of Wilton Manors, Fla.; and Lenexa, Kan. City Councilman Andy Huckaba.

“I am fighting to represent Terrebonne Parish daily,” Williams said. “And I am fighting to make sure we have as much national recognition as we possibly can.

“I want to make sure that everybody knows that this little piece of gold, this sportsman’s paradise exists. As much positive attention I can bring, I want to. I want the federal government to recognize why Morganza to the Gulf is important and why coastal erosion is important to us.”

Williams noted that the state of Louisiana recently lost an $80 million federal grant for broadband installment. “Fifty-two percent of black and brown homes have access to the Internet,” she said. “How many things are being taught on the Internet? How many classes do they have that they have textbooks on CDs? How can they compete against other students if they do not have access to the Internet?”

Williams has worked closely with Comcast to bring Internet access to children in Louisiana and noted that, because of her initiatives, any child on free lunch can now receive Internet access for $9.95 a month and is able to purchase a computer for $150.

Williams noted that there is a portion of Jeanerette in St. Mary Parish that only has dialup access to the Internet. “It’s 2011 and that area has dialup,” she said.

In addition to the four municipal members of the IAC, the FCC has two county representatives, one city attorney representative, three state legislators as representatives, one state public utility representative, and three tribal representatives. Williams is the only FCC-IAC representative member from Louisiana.

“I am elated,” Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet said of Williams’ appointment. “That indicates the influence that Terrebonne Parish will continue to have in Louisiana and the federal government. Arlanda has probably been our best spokesman in Washington, D.C. because of the relationship she has established through the Obama Administration. [Her appointment] is well deserved.”

Claudet said that Terrebonne Parish is generally a leader in the region and state and state. “Now here we are a leader in the United States,” he said. “That’s a wonderful thing.”

“I am honored to serve on this board,” Williams said. “There is going to be a big push on broadband implementation. This is bigger than Terrebonne Parish but I’m going to represent this area well.

“We produce great leaders and good people to society,” Williams added. “We are a good hometown area that just has a little flair of the city. New Orleans is not Louisiana and this is my way of putting Terrebonne Parish on the map.”