The historical background of citizen participation in local affairs and its relevance at the onset of community concern about cable television are briefly discussed in this report. The participation of citizens, municipal officials, and cable operators in laying the groundwork for a cable system as well as the pros and cons of cable television as advanced by each position are reviewed. Historical lessons from contemporary American urban politics are brought forth in an effort to show where cable advocates will meet the most opposition and delay in trying to implement a publicly responsive cable system. Specifically discussed in the report are the considerations that must be made by the community in regard to cable ownership, cable system geography, cable subscription fees, cable service, and the monitoring of cable operations. (MC)