E-gov’t links to citizens

As the private sector is integrating new technologies, including the Internet, into business practices, the government is lagging behind. At a Harvard University discussion called “The Technology Revolution: is the Government Ready?” panelists urged government to take more of an initiative to offer more online services to facilitate civic processes to their residents. They also said that using the Internet would help governments to connect with a generation of people who have been raised with the World Wide Web.

The Bay State’s city governments have started to focus on improving their websites to meet the needs of their residents. For example, Boston residents can check the value of their home and whether their taxes have been paid on the city’s website. The city of Cambridge website contains City Council agendas, while Somerville’s website offers information on recycling in the city. However, critics complain that some government sites have poor organization and contain out-dated information, making it nearly impossible to find answers to basic questions.

The Internet should be used as a tool for politicians to reach their constituents better by providing them with news about their political activities and events. Up-to-date information posted on the Internet could also help city departments and agencies reduce the number incoming phone calls every day about general questions.

Because many people look to websites to find answers to basic questions and information, governments should include a “Commonly Asked Questions” page on their websites that can provide its citizens with pertinent information. Web users in other cities would also have easy access to city and government information. The sites could provide online access to public records to facilitate research capabilities.

Governments should take full advantage of the Internet’s capabilities because they can help them to serve their communities in new and exciting ways.