[1st-mile-nm] Santa Fe Council Approves WiFi in Public Buildings

[Richard Lowenberg]

>From today's Santa Fe New Mexican: www.sfnewmexican.com

City OKs boosting wireless service

Those with health concerns say they're disappointed in move

Julie Ann Grimm | The New Mexican
6/11/2008 - 6/12/08

Wireless Internet will be available for free in an increased number of Santa Fe
city buildings following a unanimous decision by the City Council on Wednesday
night.

The plan calls for the city to install the service to public libraries, the
airport, Genoveva Chavez and Fort Marcy recreation centers, municipal court and
other buildings. Its implementation was stalled this spring by a small army of
area residents who said the city shouldn't use the technology because it had
adverse effects on public health. Some said they are disabled by
electromagnetic sensitivity, and the city is required to accommodate access
under federal law.

Opponents, many whom have inundated the media and elected officials with
documentation of their concerns, expressed disappointment. "The City Council
should consult the Wizard of Oz," said Ann McCampbell, who left the hearing
holding a mask to her face. "They made this decision without heart, without a
brain and without courage."

Councilor Rosemary Romero said the decision was "very challenging" and noted
governments are increasingly being asked to consider precautions about public
health. "This is going to be a discussion for another time and another day ...
There is more work that needs to be done in the future," she said.

City Library Director Patricia Hodapp said she was proud of the council for
studying the issue carefully. "They had the vision to move forward for the city
of Santa Fe. We believe in service, and this will provide more service to the
city," she said.

The council discussed an opinion issued last week by City Attorney Frank Katz,
who said case law did not demonstrate the city would be required to eliminate
electricity from its buildings. "We cannot question the reality of the symptoms
these people experience," Katz wrote. "But crucially the cause of these symptoms
has not been proven."

During the hearing, he added, "Cell phones are much more likely to be the
culprit rather than Wi-Fi, but this is science, and I don't have a clue."

Councilors Patti Bushee and Miguel Chavez supported an effort to install the
wireless Internet service in some buildings, but to remove it from City Hall.
In the end, both voted in favor of its installation.

Bushee said, however, she would soon introduce changes to the city's rules of
operation that made plans to turn off the service for City Council meetings at
the request of residents who want to address the board, a practice the city has
employed during recent debates.

The head of the city Information Technology Division, Thomas Williams, told
councilors he will make an effort to stay abreast of new research about
wireless Internet and its potential health effects.


-- 
Richard Lowenberg
1st-Mile Institute
P.O. Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504
505-989-9110;   505-603-5200 cell
rl at 1st-mile.com  www.1st-mile.com

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