Cadillac News: US Sen. Gary Peters swings through Reed City

REED CITY — U.S. Sen. Gary Peters stopped in Reed City Tuesday to meet with civic and business leaders to learn about their efforts to expand broadband in Osceola County. The visit came on day two of a 26-county motorcycle jaunt across the state.

Peters serves on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and the Joint Economic Committee.

Among those addressing Peters were Dan Massy, Osceola County’s community development coordinator, and Thomas Stephenson, a community technology advisor with Connect Michigan.

Connect Michigan is a non-profit organization in Michigan and works with the Michigan Public Service Commission to increase the availability of broadband Internet access.

Stephenson said a lot of businesses didn’t have a presence on social media when Connect Michigan began working in the area several years ago. Using social media, Stephenson said, is one of the best ways businesses have to advertise their services.

Massey said he realized years ago Osceola County had a problem with broadband access, but he didn’t know how to fix it. He learned of Connect Michigan and began taking proactive steps to attract providers.

“I see broadband as a quality of life issue,” Massy said, adding that broadband “will touch every area of the community.”

Peters said he applauded Osceola County leaders for their work to increase broadband access. He vowed to continue working in the Senate to ensure state residents have dependable internet service.

“A key component of the internet is equal access,” Peters said.