Transparency in Government -- How Possible Is It?

[Joy]

Transparency in Government -- How Possible Is It?

Transparency in government refers to the availability of accurate and understandable information about governmental matters (such as public programs and budgets). It assures the public of elected officials' accountability and efficiency, and it safeguards against corruption. In other words, transparency in government makes it "clear" what our elected officials are doing. There is no double talk or meaningless statistics. There are no under-the-table deals.

I hope to live at least 50 more years and they will most likely be spent in Union County. I'm raising my children here, and I really do like it here for the most part. I see the potential in our town every day. I think if we had transparency in our local government, we could bring to fruition this potential and become an even better place to live and raise our children.

So, the question is, how do we accomplish a transparent government in Union County? What are the steps to Transparency and how do we get our elected officials to agree to these steps and, more importantly, get them to carry them out?

Any ideas, suggestions, or points for discussion?

---

Some interesting reading:
www.cdt.org/egov/handbook/

[roundtree]

Talk to and ask questions about Justin Melick . I think he will be meeting with the republican womens group next week . Also talk to Gene Nelson and Tony Dyer and Harold Cook and ask questions from friends and foe to hear their stories . Meet the people and get to know them . They are all fine people .

[sometimeman]

Yes Mam Miss Joy!

There is a feller over in Bartow County, Paul Nally. Get him to come over here and talk to us.
When you read the law, the oversite of county government officials is in the hands of the citizens all the time But, they just can't believe it so, they do what they are told.

The third branch of government , the Judiciary, is supposed to provide checks and balances on the other two branches.

The court is made up of Four parts:
1) A Judge
2) A Clerk
3) The District Attorney
4) The People (Grand Jury)

Nothing comes before the court that the people don't allow. For any criminal offense there must be a written accusation, an indictment. This must come from the people other wise there will be no prosecution.

Not only must the people (thats the Grand Jury) "accuse" the law breaker for him to prosecuted
But also,the Grand Jury in Union County has more power than anybody else. The grand Jury can inspect the Tax Commissioner; The Court Clerk; The Sheriff; The County Commission; The Superintendent of Schools. The District Attorney. The people are incharge! They have oversite

The Clerk of the Court keeps a List of knowledgeable and Upright citizens of the county of the same racial and sexual makeup of the population.
When these good people are summoned by the clerk for Jury Duty. They are afraid of being off work afraid of lost time and money. They are afraid of the Judge They are scared rabbits. God help the crooks when the people understand their power!

Paul nally is listed elsewhere on this board. Get him!

[genenelson]

roundtree said:

Talk to and ask questions about Justin Melick . I think he will be meeting with the republican womens group next week . Also talk to Gene Nelson and Tony Dyer and Harold Cook and ask questions from friends and foe to hear their stories . Meet the people and get to know them . They are all fine people .

Thank you for the kind words, my web site is www.votegenenelson2008.com/index.html
if anyone has any questions or comments please let me know.

Thanks again

Gene Nelson

[maddy]

Gene, what is your outlook on release of the liqour license in this county?

[bb]

maddy said:

Gene, what is your outlook on release of the liqour license in this county?

From his website:
"ALCOHOL SALES

I stand with the people's vote in July of 2007, which was "no" - if I am going to work for and with the citizens of Union County, what kind of Commissioner would I be if I went against the people's wishes?

"

[maddy]

OH! But...the vote was SO close to even consider this! The 4 people who were out of town or who didn't vote(idiots), do you forget about them?

[bb]

maddy said:

OH! But...the vote was SO close to even consider this! The 4 people who were out of town or who didn't vote(idiots), do you forget about them?

I may be wrong, but I think it lost by 49 votes... pretty durn close if it was 4 or 49, though.

[maddy]

4, 49....what's the diff?!!! lol Too close to call it "people's wishes".

[genenelson]

maddy said:

OH! But...the vote was SO close to even consider this! The 4 people who were out of town or who didn't vote(idiots), do you forget about them?

If elected I will be there for all of the people, however the majority rules, even though it was real close, there were several ways to vote. Every one had the same opportunity.

thank you
Gene Nelson

[bb]

maddy said:

4, 49....what's the diff?!!! lol Too close to call it "people's wishes".

I agree... not exactly an overwhelming majority. But since there was at least one more vote against than for, we are stuck with that decision until/if another vote is held and the pro alchohol sale votes are more than those against it. I also think it would be political suicide for a candidate to come out and say s/he would not abide by the lawful election.

[manape]

Among the many promises of the digital revolution is its potential to strengthen democracy and make governments more responsive to the needs of their citizens. E-government is the use of information and communications technologies (ICT) to transform government by making it more accessible, effective and accountable.

Joy, thanks for posting the link in your introduction. I see you are met with negativity and the usual noise from the same narrow-minded characters of the forum. Don't be discouraged. Those who support transparent government, freedom, a better Union County, and pursuit of happiness are with you.

I don't have time to read the E-gov site in-depth, but I plan to do so later. No matter who is elected, we need to work with government, not against it... for government in theory, at least, is still for the people and by the people. Together, utilizing the tools of the Internet, we can ALL make a difference.

[sometimeman]

Ape, If Miss Joy does much reading, she may figure you support the present government just a little too much

[Joy]

roundtree, I think you're right on one hand. We need to meet with and check out the candidates, but it is easy to misjudge a person who is intentionally putting their best foot forward. We have to be dilligent in our requirements of public officials. If someone makes a promise, they have to be held accountable to keeping that promise. Which is where sometimeman's comments come in.

sometimeman, I think you're right too about the fact that the people need to realize that the power lies with them. Honestly, lots of people I know don't even bother to vote. They figure their vote won't matter because it's just one vote. They need to be energized and propelled into action.

So, how do we make what goes on in Union County government more "open"?

Communication and the tools of communication are the key. Public accounting of the county departments to include budget, programs, and plans for the future is needed.

Manape, I see you got my point. The county website could be a great tool for providing information and services to the people. More and more people use the internet to gather information more than any other source. Shoot, if I need a phone number, I look it up online instead of using a phone book. But, our county's website is not a great source of information or help.

Why can't we access permit applications and other county forms online?

Why can't we pay our taxes online?

Why does the Sheriff's Department not have a website? And, our fire department's website...uh...no comment.

Why is there not an accounting of the budget to be found online?

Why are the minutes from county meetings not available online? Or better yet, even a video of the meetings?


Gene, if you stop by again, what are your thoughts on this?

[genenelson]

Thank you for you question.

I feel that the more information the citizens have, the easier it is to get your questions answered and the more you under stand how the county works, besides the county records are open to the people and the easier they are to access the better.

Thanks

Gene Nelson