E-government

[H D]

Finishing up research on the use of the internet in government services. Wide open for thoughts and opinions regarding any aspect of government use of the internet (except for political bashing). Got more than enough info as is but seeing if there is something interesting I'm overlooking.

 

[Jacob Dryer]

I use internet based government for renewing license plates/vehicle registration and filing income tax. Is that the kind of thing you are talking about?



I'm not sure how I'd feel about voting online, I think it would be convenient for sure but I'm not sure about the security issues.. not that in person voting hasn't had it's troubles too though..

 

[H D]

Yeah, more focused on the local stuff but will include a blurb about federal; may devote a sentence to the possibility of e-voting but it's not really important to the overall research. Thanks.



How do you use e-government? How would you like your city, county or state government make better use of the internet? Or are they doing a great job already?



Or is the whole thing terrifying and the internets are the downfall of society?

 

[Bill V]

I'm in the process of finishing our basement, and I've used the city's website to schedule building inspections. Wish they also could have taken the application and payment for the permits that way too.



I also used the city's website in the past to request a "Dead End" sign be added to our lengthy cul de sac, as we frequently get people driving into it, looping around because they didn't realize it was a cul, and exiting right away. And we typically have lots of neighborhood kids playing in the cul, so we want to limit that. The request led to a couple quick back and forth emails with the manager of the street maintenance department, and within two days the sign was up.

 

[Bill V]

One thing I would like to see is two-way internet access to in-progress city government. For example, when they're having a hearing about proposed construction, you can often see a live simulcast on both the net and on local access cable. But if you want to participate in the discussion, you have to attend in person. Would love for them to allow both text and even webcam (skype, etc.) to interact in those meetings live. I'm sure there are some municipalities out there who are already doing this.

 

[Bill V]

I also love the online aspects of the local library--reserving books, etc. But I do wish that more of the content was simply downloadable, rather than still requiring physical checkout.

 

[H D]

Thanks, all good considerations.

 

[Jacob Dryer]

I don't really have anything to input at the local level.. since we've been moving so frequently do to military I don't get involved really even on the state level let alone locally. Once my wife is out of the military and my kids are in school I plan to be much more involved.

 

[Matt DeFina]

what about use of social media, positive and negative aspects. Positive in that "tweets" from key sources brings news out to public faster than news reports, on events or passing legislation. And negative in use of monitoring what public is "saying" about them (reference Emma Sullivan)

 

[H D]

Thanks. I have social media in my report. I actually think the monitoring of what the public is saying is a positive thing. It provides a more direct feedback loop than voting ever could.