Much has been made about the twenty-four hour use of city-owned cars by City Administrator Marc Dashield and Public Safety/Police Director Martin Hellwig. I am in total agreement with all who view the twenty-four hour use of city cars by certain department heads as an unnecessary perk. I voted “No” on twenty-four hour city car use by Messrs. Dashield and Hellwig. I believe that my vote was reflective of the views of most Plainfield residents, who, from the comments I have received thus far, feel that these officials should commute from their homes in their own vehicles. However, although I remain opposed the twenty-four hour car use by municipal employees whom I feel don't need it, I am in favor of Plainfield residents having a CAR 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
The CAR I am referring to is an online tool that I am proposing, which I call a Citizen’s Assistance Request (CAR). Citizens would use it to request services from the city and as a vehicle to grade the performance of elected officials and department heads. It would be available on the city’s website to every Plainfield resident who has access to the Internet (there is free Internet access at the library).
Such a CAR would require the mayor and council to be more responsive to citizens’ requests for services. Plainfield residents using a CAR on a 24/7 basis would be able to do the following:
· Request city services
· Grade the performance of elected officials
· Grade the performance of department heads and staff
· Provide constructive feedback and suggestions
· Register as a volunteer
The City Administrator would be responsible for monitoring all CARs and for providing swift responses to citizens requesting city services.
In the interest of transparency, the grades assigned by citizens to the performance of their elected officials would be published on a regular basis. This would be one sure way of making Plainfield’s government more accountable and responsive to the needs of its citizens.
Let's provide all Plainfield residents with a 24/7 CAR!
Regards, Adrian
7 comments:
Excellent proposal Mr. Mapp.
What a great idea. I hope your proposal gets the support from your colleagues.
Excellent but how can anything be used on the City website when basic information is not even updated or availble.
Responsive government is the best government. Let's see if your idea will work. If you are elected mayor, it should be the first thing you implement. The people will be watching.
Mr. Mapp this is great- Let's do it!
I agree that this is agreat idea. There needs to be a direct connection between the City and its citizens. Question: would someone need to be hired to manage this program?
Ayanna
This is a wonderful, long-overdue idea. I truly hope that you will do everything you can to improve/update the city's web site, to implement a system in which residents' concerns will receive prompt responses, and to make revitalizing/redeveloping/improving the city's downtown a BIG priority. Right now, the view from the downtown train station is a shame and a real detriment to the reputation and long-term economic viability of Plainfield. Please focus on making this city a place people want to visit and shop in!
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