A bid by a clout-heavy firm to provide competitive cabletelevision service along Chicago's lakefront was kept alive by a CityCouncil subcommittee Monday, despite questions about the company'sfinancial wherewithal.
After a debate that lasted nearly all afternoon, thesubcommittee agreed to forward 21st Century Cable TV's application tothe full Finance Committee without a recommendation.
The company applied last year for permission to provide cableservice in the city's franchise Area One, which stretches along thelakefront from the city's northern border to Kenwood. The companywould compete with Chicago Cable, which has a monopoly on that area.
Many lakefront aldermen have welcomed the competition because ofconstituent complaints about Chicago Cable's service. Others havequestioned 21st Century's commitment to providing service in poorerareas.
Cable Administrator Joyce Gallagher told the subcommittee, "Wecannot recommend approval at this time."
The principal stockholder of 21st Century is Chicago lawyerEdward T. Joyce, a well-connected Democratic fund-raiser.
Former State Sen. Jeremiah Joyce (D-Chicago), a cousin ofEdward Joyce and one of Mayor Daley's closest friends in politics, isa lobbyist for the applicant.
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