I have a few more db's to search and other names still. These articles outline his lobbying work in the past and note his transition from Ameritech to USTA.

Computer Database

"Qwest urges end to RUS loans for broadband competitors." Telecommunications Reports 15 Mar. 2007: 22. Computer Database. Web. 22 Nov. 2011.

Document URL
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA188967614&v=2.1&u=olym65314&it=r&p=CDB&sw=w


Title:Qwest urges end to RUS loans for broadband competitorsSource:Telecommunications Reports..73.6 (Mar. 15, 2007): p22.Document Type:Brief articleFull Text:
Qwest Communications International, Inc., has urged Agriculture
Secretary Mike Johanns to follow through on a proposal to focus the Rural
Utilities Service's broadband loan program on unserved--rather than
"underserved"--areas.


The rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program was
originally authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, which for the first time allowed
RUS to subsidize competitive entrants to markets with existing service.
Concerns have been raised in the past about subsidizing competitors to
private enterprises. RUS does not make the loans in markets where an RUS
borrower already exists.


In a letter sent to Secretary Johanns Feb. 22, Qwest Senior Vice
President--federal relations Gary Lytle expressed concerned that, "due
to the way this program is being administered, taxpayer-subsidized loans are
being provided to applicants who serve, or plan to serve, markets where
high-speed Internet service is already available. In many cases, loans are
being provided in markets where there are already two, three, or sometimes as
many as four broadband service providers."


Mr. Lytle added, "I was encouraged to learn that the
department is working on 'new regulations [that] will ensure that
program funds are focused on rural areas that are lacking existing
providers.' We support your efforts to reform this program and look
forward to working with you so that rural Americans without high-speed
Internet access receive the intended benefit, precious taxpayer dollars are
not squandered, and the investment of private risk capital is not
discouraged."


Copies of the Qwest letter also went to Sens. Tom Harkin (D.,
Iowa) and Saxby Chambliss (R., Ga.), the chairman and ranking minority
member, respectively of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry.


Mr. Lytle told TR that Qwest was seeking a change in the
legislative language that authorizes the RUS broadband loan program, limiting
its application to "unserved" areas. He said the company "has
spent a good deal of time lobbying the issue" on Capitol Hill and has
been getting "a very good reception from both sides of the aisle."


Mr. Lytle added that he has had "joint meetings"
regarding this issue on the Hill with Kyle McSlarrow, president and chief
executive officer of the National Cable 
Source Citation "Qwest urges end to RUS loans for broadband competitors." Telecommunications Reports 15 Mar. 2007: 22. Computer Database. Web. 22 Nov. 2011.Document URL
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA188967614

Gale Document Number: GALE|A188967614


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