As a rule, I don’t post anything relating to politics, but since this has nothing to do with the banalities of left vs. right vs. independents, I am making an exception.
I am so completely excited about Google Fiber, I could burst, and I am terrified that rather than opening our doors to the future and to future growth, our local governments will instead see this as an opportunity to make a buck and flex its muscles.
The Internet represents freedom. We need to open our arms to it.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Governing Body of Shawnee,
My name is Samuel Mullen. I’m a freelance programmer specializing in web and iPhone development. As such, I am very keen to learn what, if anything, has been done to encourage Google Fiber to come to Shawnee. Obviously we are some distance from the initial locations selected by Google, but they will inevitably spread out, and I am anxious for it’s arrival. I am convinced my business can only grow with its arrival: through new companies, technological improvements, and networking.
I believe the greater Kansas City metro area is in a unique position to usurp the technology crown which Silicon Valley currently wears. New businesses, new ideas, new people, and new opportunities are all on the horizon, we must be prepared to take up the mantle of Silicon Prairie.
Please let me know that you, the current leaders of Shawnee, are as excited about this technology as I am, and that you are doing everything in your power to eliminate road blocks which might hinder the arrival of Google Fiber.
Thank you, Samuel Mullen
If you live in the Kansas City metro area and you are not part of the Google Fiber rollout, I would encourage you to contact your city officials as well.
The City of Shawnee did end up reaching out to Google. This is their letter.