There is strength in numbers.

That’s the motivation behind Time Warner’s acquisition of Adelphia Communications cable franchises in Maine. And it’s the motivation for efforts by Auburn City Manager Pat Finnigan to bring together municipalities to discuss the Time Warner deal.

For Time Warner, the deal has obvious advantages. The company will buy back its stock that was held by Adelphia and will gain about 3.5 million new subscribers in areas geographically connected to markets in which it is already strong.

The outcome for the municipalities, however, is less certain. By bringing together representatives from other towns and cities, Finnigan hopes to build a bargaining position that will ensure improved cable service for residents.

Complaints about Adelphia, particularly since the company’s founder and CEO John Rigas was convicted of fraud in his role in looting the company and leading it into bankruptcy, have been common.

After the deal, Time Warner will become the second-largest cable company in the country, reaching about 14.4 million subscribers. Time Warner Cable owns systems in 27 states and is a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., the world’s largest media company, which also owns HBO, TBS, America Online, New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers and a host of other information and entertainment outlets.

Time Warner reported earnings of $963 million in the first quarter of this year, with revenue growing to $10.48 billion. The company’s size gives it the ability to bring customers the latest in cable technology and services, but it also gives it enormous power and influence.

Cities and towns currently covered by Adelphia have until October to review its sale. Bringing together municipal negotiators enhances everyone’s influence. Finnigan’s leadership on this should be appreciated.