A sea of red filled the Kanawha County Commission meeting Thursday night as members of the Communication Workers of America came to hear about Verizon's proposed sale of their West Virginia landlines to Frontier Communications.

"Verizon is proposing to sell their land lines in West Virginia and 13 other states." said CWA representative Elaine Harris. "Both are good companies, but we believe the debt Frontier will acquire is something they won't be able to absorb."

That debt is the 3.3 billion dollars Frontier will be loaned to purchase Verizon's 800 thousand land lines. But Verizon West Virginia's President, B. Keith Fulton, says it's a good move for both companies.

"We think it will be great for West Virginia and they (Frontier) will push broadband out there throughout the state." said Fulton.

Fulton said Verizon wants to concentrate on expanding West Virignia's wireless network and says no employees will be losing their jobs, and he emphasizes their retirements are secure.

"People that want to work will have jobs. Pensions will be fully funded by Verizon." said Fulton.

However, Commission President, Kent Carper, says Frontier still needs to answer some questions before the commission is comfortable backing the transaction.

Carper asked Frontier representatives, "Is there any chance you all are biting off more than you can chew? Will you go under? Will these people get hurt? Will you do what you say you'll do? That's what I care about."

"Our employees are paid very well. They do a great job. We invest a lot in our training, in our people, and in our infrastructure." said Frontier's Senior Vice President, Ken Arndt.

Verizon West Virginia's President said employees will know about their career opportunities with Frontier by December 31st and all parties involved in the transaction will meet with the Public Service Commission in January to give testimony on the deal.