BREA : Council Renews Cable Franchise

Despite criticism of Century Cable, City Council voted this week to renew the company’s franchise for 15 years.

Councilman Ron Isles, in a strongly worded condemnation of the cable company, urged the rest of the council to vote against the agreement.

“The citizens of Brea do not support Century Cable,” Isles said. “Century has not given Brea anything that hasn’t benefited Century.”

Isles specifically criticized the cable company’s policy of charging customers separately for each television in the home, even though the cost of providing service is the same.

Approving the renewal agreement would do two things, Isles said.

“It gives leverage to Century Cable for financing . . . and it sends a message to citizens that it does no good to voice frustrations with Century Cable.”

Although other council members also criticized Century, Isles cast the only negative vote.

Councilwoman Clarice A. Blamer said that although residents have complained about the cable company, there is little the city can do.

“I am not proud at all” of the refranchising agreement, Blamer said. “But I see no other solution.”

Councilman Wayne D. Wedin, who worked with representatives of the cable company to develop the renewal agreement, said it got more equipment than expected for the city.

“I believe that to the extent that this agreement helps Century in new financing can be a benefit to the community,” Wedin said. “We can achieve more by voting yes on the agreement.”