Citizenville-Government

Welcome Back

Over the past few weeks, this blog has been giving great information in regards to e-Government and how it co-exist within the government. With the ever so changing technology that we encounter every day whether at work, on the computer, or social media everyone must stay on point.

This week will be a little different which still relates to e-Governance, and its evolution involves a book that's read for my Public Administration Degree program called Citizenville. Which was written by California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom with Lisa Dickey which focuses on a more open robust democracy, centered on the digital age of our society. Citizenville gives a story of how ordinary people can change the political ties that we encounter today by using the technology of smartphones and social networking which has evolved over time and will continue vastly change. He also talks about how technology can empower citizens and transform government.

He took the initiative to interview with politicians that may have significant influences on how we live our lives and the changes that were and are made. In a way, this book was written to emulate what a lot of people think when it comes to government and how it works with technology. As you see today that campaigns have become a movement which takes over television, online news websites, and ads popping up on everything that we view. Newsom continues to discuss the changes from the JFK with his “We can do better,” Reagan with “Morning in America,” Obama with “Yes we can” and once the elections are over the fireworks die down. Convincing people to open themselves up, believe and let their guards down. Do they know what citizens want, as Citizenville seems to be our thoughts that aren't being heard?

Everything in government has to involve transparency for things to acceptable. As followed through reading this book was the Care Not Cash program that Newsom fought to implement in San Francisco that involved homeless people that were getting $400 stipends then cut to $59 a month of which the rest of the $341 would go to housing and services. He stated that he had the fierce opposition to the program. Another section of the book that was informative was “Project Homeless Connect” which involved the power of real data that consist of actually going out and collecting information to show who needs the system and whether to show growth and decline.

During my time throughout my career, I have done some volunteering which involved feeding the homeless for an organization called “Doing My Part” located in Charlotte, NC which was a great experience. I think we all should take the time to help others in need that are less fortunate.

The amount of money the government spends on things such as cars, travel, paper, or advisor is considered a part of wasteful spending of which the money can be put forth to better services such as feeding a family. As Newsom uses the procurement, it’s a word that represents the third party gang, meaning something’s might be corrupt. Everything seems to be a buddy system within our government.  Everyone knows the term Good Old Boys’ System which still exists today. Another suggestion the government needs to do is open up the data as Newsom indicates that will create more jobs and build trust, so is this is the case then let flood gates open.

In the time of one of the worst fiscal crisis beginning in 2007 which took place at the beginning of 2008 since the Great Depression give people a reason to trust the government again. Because our politicians that we call “Congress” has been during a horrible job over the past years trying to tear each

other down instead up building and uplifting peoples spirits. They say what the American people want is why they’re doing what they do, I haven’t been asked any question and probably 98% of the American people haven’t either so is it what they want and think people want? Newsom sums up a lot within this book and after reading it I suggest you do so as well.

"Never Fear The Unknown Because The Unknown Will Never Fear You" By O. Quick