MAYVILLE — Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel says he hopes to use a recent appointment to an FCC committee to help foster more and better broadband in rural counties.
Wendel, is a newly federally appointed member of Chairman Ajit Pai’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC).
County Executive Wendel was nominated for the position by Johann Clendenin, who as Commissioner for the USVI Public Services Commission, was Chairman of the IAC’s TeleHealth Working Group last year.
Wendel provided support and insight into the needs of rural America for needed TeleHealth services while he served on the Chautauqua County Legislature. The FCC TeleHealh Report was published in September and is used extensively as our nation responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission sought candidates with expertise relevant to broadband infrastructure deployment and adoption, particularly those with knowledge and experience specific to Tribal and rural communities, “Smart City” and infrastructure-related initiatives, state and local government consumer complaints processes and data trends, and public safety and homeland security matters.
Clendenin, who is a graduate of SUNY College at Fredonia and served on the College Foundation Board for more than a decade, congratulated Wendel saying: “Well Done “P.J.,” your demonstrated commitment to rural infrastructure and to the County will continue to be appreciated during your national service. You join a special group of public officials who lead the way for our future!”
The mission of the IAC is to provide advice to the Commission on the many telecommunications issues affecting local, state and Tribal governments that are within the jurisdiction of the FCC.
These issues can range from major FCC policy priorities such as broadband adoption and deployment, especially in unserved and underserved rural areas and Tribal lands, to strengthening public safety communications infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, streamlining facilities siting while respecting public rights of way, monitoring the transition from “legacy” telecommunications services to emerging wireline networks and wireless networks, and ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the universal service programs.
Because this committee consists of only Federal, state, local or Tribal governmental elected officials (or their designated employees), the IAC is exempt from the Federal Advisory Committee Act (“FACA”).
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