Editorial: Bravo the Loyal Opposition!

 — by Margie Doyle —

Over two years ago, I sat at the Lower with a group of my peers (female Boomers of wit and conscience) and tried to puzzle out our hyper, electronic, internet, wi-fi, cloudy, broadband world. We’ve all spent over 25 years working with Apples and PCs and at least 15 years using the World Wide Web, dial-up, routers, modems and the Internet. But once again, my friends and I felt like we were barely hanging on to the communications world by our fingertips, and being terminally curious, I was determined to educate myself, and Orcas Issues’ readers in the process.

I met with OPALCO management on several occasions and was given hours of information, explanation, tours and even cable samples (which the CenturyLink management asked to borrow when they made their presentation to the Orcas public in November, 2013).  I also met and spoke with providers such as Paul Moore of ComputerPlace (@interisland.net), Mike Greene of RockIsland (@rockisland.com) and Rick Boucher and Stuart Baker of OrcasOnline (@orcasonline.com).

We’ve posted articles and press releases about OPALCO’s efforts and have learned from our readers’ Comments and Letters to Orcas Issues, community forums and repeated explanations.

And yes, I’m an advocate of OPALCO’s programs to bring broadband to the Orcas community, realizing this may not be a universal or inexpensive effort. As Chris Sutton, of SmallDog Network and one of the founders of Doe Bay Internet said, “This is HUGELY expensive (I remember quotes being thrown around of $75M+). The overall solution should be a hybrid fiber/fixed wireless solution.” My reasoning is that OPALCO is in a place (positioned) with the most expertise and infrastructure already in place to expand our broadband capability. Yes, they’ve faltered in some of their proposals to the public.

But the recent merger of RockIsland and OPALCO is a testament to the good faith of both partners (with the business-electronic midwifery of Gerry Lawlor) to work together toward a solution for the benefit of both entities and the greater community.

Both Lawlor and Mike Greene, owner of Rock Island, have publicly expressed criticism of OPALCO plans and progress. But their criticism was grounded in fact and experience. Kudos to OPALCO management and board, who replaced defensiveness and pride with cooperation and open-mindedness. It incorporated both Lawlor’s and Green’s objections into a new plan.

We’re entering new territory, not just the expansion of internet accessibility, but also the re-definition of business models such as co-operatives, utilities, businesses and non-profits. 

And expanded broadband, a vision held by many — no not all — islanders, business people, government, is closer to reality.

With the announcement of the merger of Rock Island and OPALCO, Orcas Issues extends thanks to those involved  for showing us all that mistakes are just a rung on the ladder to achievement;  for resisting the compulsion to let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

Seamless transition is a goal, the reality will be a little “seamier.” And I’m looking forward to a near future of better broadband, internet, wi-fi, and even cloudy connections!