Background

We all realized that the revolution in information, computers and communications would have a dramatic impact on the county and our way of life. We also realized that no group of citizens was looking into what those impacts would be and how we might control them. We took this task upon ourselves.

In 1994, the decision was made to transform this council into a not-for-profit citizenship association, the Westchester Alliance For Telecommunications and Public Access (WATPA).

WATPA intends to distinguish itself by being an organization of citizens from across Westchester County and thus speaks from the perspective of the public at large -- not any particular business or other interests. In a world in which knowledge about these issues is both fast changing and difficult to locate, WATPA is also a central source of expertise. Reflecting the first two features of WATPA, it will work to provide the people of Westchester County with objective advice and knowledge -- unaffected by any financial interest in the resulting decisions.

Original Mission

1. to provide a forum for the discussion of policy issues relating to public, business, government and educational access to emerging new telecommunications and information "highways", technology and services in Westchester;
2. find ways of accelerating the growth of inter-connected networks within the county;
3. assure the general public's access to those networks, no matter where they live or their social or economic circumstances;
4. help educate the public about the coming information age;
5. be a resource for public and private agencies, officials and members of the news media who want to understand how the people of Westchester County can benefit from and direct the information revolution;
6. maintain liaison and work with organizations outside of the county who are also concerned about these issues.