Democratic Mayoral candidate Anita Dugatto pledged today that she will institute the creation of a municipal website for the City of Derby within 90 days after taking office as mayor.
“Derby needs to move forward in embracing technology as a tool for better government. The use of modern technology is a logical step in public transparency and will enable Derby to do business more efficiently with its citizens and taxpayers, as well as those persons and firms wishing to invest in our city,” Dugatto said.
“Upon gaining the necessary approvals, I will authorize this as a critical first-step in rebuilding Derby’s local economy.”
Derby government is the only town in the lower Valley without an official city website. It currently uses the Derby section of the Electronic Valley to post information.
In a press release, Dugatto said she wanted to greatly expand upon the information posted to benefit the public.
Dugatto’s plan for a City of Derby website will incorporate key objectives:
- The website shall function as a vital service for citizens.
- It must empower people to do business with the city online.
- The website must be operable 24/7.
- It must be integrated with social media for public transparency.
- The website must contain a mobile component for smart phone use.
- The municipal website design and operation should rank high on the list of vital city services
The website should include the following and many other points of information:
- Both proposed and adopted budgets for at least 3 years;
- Notifications for solicitation of bids and RFP’s;
- Employee business contact information;
- Minutes and agendas for governing bodies and commissions;
- Proposed ordinances for public hearing and all other required public notices; and annual, up-to-date municipal and land use ordinances.
“Residents, property owners, and business partners need a site that can provide up-to-date content with the ability to do business 24/7,” Dugatto said. “An effective website can pay for itself within two years according to experts in design and usage. It is time for Derby to come out of the information stone age and move forward, for our citizens, into the age of transparency, accountability, and accessibility.”
The information is from a press release issued by Dugatto’s campaign Sept. 24.
