Rice and Beans, Change and the Digital Counties Survey Award
by Juliette Goodwin
Baltimore County Office of Information Technology
Some of the most creative times in my life have been the result of being broke. I had to learn how to exist on very little money. A dish that saw me through leaner years was rice and beans-inexpensive and simple to prepare. I dressed it up with extras when I could afford to, but even in its most basic state, rice and beans sustained me for long periods of time.
Baltimore County recently won a spot in the top ten Digital Counties Survey by responding to a similar problem: How does local government improve the way it does business with fewer resources than in the past? The Center for Digital Government, in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo) conducted the survey, A panel of expert judges reviewed responses - the top ten winners demonstrated successful use of technological solutions to county priorities on a limited budget.
The year and a half I've worked for the county, the move to streamline has been swift. Instead of customers traveling to County offices to do business, services like paying Property Taxes or reporting potholes can now be taken care of online.
Financial necessity is responsible for much of this change, as is a keen interest by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz in the county's web presence. The outcome has resulted in processes becoming easier and more accessible to the public, and less of a burden on taxpayers.
Buzz Beeler
5:55 pm on Saturday, August 11, 2012
Far too often, e-mails are ignored. I say this from numerous experiences. Technology is only as good as it is utilized.
If the technology is there but there is no one to respond then what purpose does it serve? I'm not putting down your efforts, just setting the record straight. If I had not been through this issue numerous times I would not be stating same.
The county has the data at the touch of a key board but to ignore a request is not a good thing if your going to tout the success of which you speak.
Tom Henry
2:10 pm on Sunday, August 12, 2012
Buzz,
You are correct. Even the elected representatives tell us they are more responsive to a phone call, personal letter or a visit than electronic communication. Sad, really.
Buzz Beeler
3:22 pm on Sunday, August 12, 2012
Tom, I agree if you can catch them. Generally speaking it's a matter of standing, i.e. if you know them, are involved in community affairs and are outspoken or something that draws their attention.
I realize each individual political person is extremely busy but the county has numerous staffers that can handle many of those issues. Many times while on the administrative side I dealt with similar issues and basically all the people wanted was someone to listen to them and their issue. Many times I could resolve it or offer an explanation to address their issue.
I don't think they care so much as to who listens and responds just as long as someone does and doesn't ignore them. It's as simple as that.