Editor:

As the legislative career of U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin comes to a close this year, I think it is appropriate to take a moment to thank her for some key advocacy efforts during her years of service.

I am sure that other folks can provide additional examples of how she has successfully worked on behalf of constituent issues and our state, but I would like to focus on one important issue where Rep. Cubin has proved invaluable to Wyoming.

In a state where the energy, tourism and agriculture industries seem to garner the most attention, the news doesn't always report that Wyoming is also home to some of the most innovative and forward-looking rural telecommunications companies in the country.

Providing the least populated state with reliable and affordable phone service and broadband communications is no easy task. It requires the work of dedicated people and companies willing to serve rural communities.

The investment and expense of doing so requires genuine advocacy in Washington for policies that continue to Keep Rural America Connected. Rep. Cubin has been a member of the House subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet for more than 10 years.

In that position of leadership she has successfully advocated for the advancement of telecommunications services to every corner of Wyoming. In fact, rural telecommunications companies that serve sparsely populated areas all over the country have acknowledged Rep. Cubin's leadership on rural technology issues.

Our state is truly lucky to have had a strong voice in support of rural telecommunications in Congress, and that voice will be missed. So, the next time you talk on the phone, turn on your television, take a college course on line, download a movie or check your email, keep in mind that for the last decade, Rep. Cubin has played a critical role in keeping you and Wyoming connected to the world. Thank you Barbara.

MICHAEL KENNEY, Dubois

General manager, Dubois Telephone