April 10, 2000

My web page is up and running!! Please look for me at www.milnereport.com. This is an exciting milestone for me because I am always looking for more and better ways to communicate with people. I want you to know what is happening in government, not only in Marion County government, but all areas of government. There are always several ways to look at any issue; unfortunately, the mainstream media usually only offers one!

When you go to my web site, you will see the text of the commentaries I do on this show, you’ll see a calendar of events, and a library of previously published newspaper guest columns. We will continue to expand and update what is available in response to what you are looking for. So please let me know!

Also, feedback is helpful and I welcome it! Please feel free to contact me any time on any issue. The other day I had a great -- and very pleasant surprise! A teen e-mailed me in response to viewing last weeks’ show. I talked last week about teen pregnancy and a family’s reaction to the teen clinic at their daughter’s school. The young man said, “I saw your show on teen pregnancy and birth control tonight, and I just wanted to say that I couldn’t agree with you more on that subject.” He went on to say, “I’m glad we have leaders who really care about people my age…Thank you for thinking about our generation and not just thinking that we are out there to cause trouble.”

Amen!! We never know who is tuning in to our show, or if anyone is listening! They are indeed!! This type of feedback helps to re-affirm my faith in today’s families and our teens.

I hope those of you viewing this show will listen as I talk about the upcoming budget process in Marion County. And, again, your comments, questions and ideas are welcome!

As I scrutinize department budgets over the next few weeks and visit with department heads prior to our formal budget process, I will be asking department heads some critical questions which will include:

-Show me how your budget supports the county goals.

-How are you managing information technology?

-How does your department’s information technology, and your needs, fit into the overall county information system?

The reason I am focusing on information technology and our information systems throughout the county, is that Marion County spends a tremendous amount of money on data processing and there are a tremendous amount of problems yet. With data processing it is the data that is important - important to we the users. Processing is NOT important - at least to we the users of the data. However, we pay for processing and we are NOT getting the data!!

Data is important to the individual departments. Timely and accurate data is a necessity to a well-run department. I want to be sure that our department heads are empowered with the tools they need to be good managers and good leaders. We must be sure they are well equipped.

Technology now makes it easier for the public to access data, and the county wants to respond to making data available to the public when, where and how appropriate to do so. Yes, there are valid, good and appropriate ways in which data should be more accessible, such as in aiding fire and police to better provide public safety. However, and I cannot express my concern enough, the individual citizen’s privacy and safety must always be the priority. First we must, and we will, have sound policies in place, but public access to county data will be part of the budget discussions.

More on the County budget soon.

April 28, your ballot should arrive at your home for the May 16 primary. There are several state-wide ballot measures and numerous local issues and elected positions that voters will be considering at this election. The voter pamphlets typically arrive a few days before the ballots arrive in your mail box. I encourage you to read thoroughly from cover to cover the explanatory information submitted on each of the measures and the arguments both in favor and against each measure. Read carefully also the information on each candidate. I’ll talk more about these issues over the next few weeks.

Your vote is important on both ballot measures and on candidates. The future of your community, the future of our state is determined by the actions of elected officials and by the laws instituted as a result of ballot measures.

I’d like to share the very insightful perspective on the importance of voting, by a 25-year old young man. In his guest opinion in the Salem Chamber of Commerce newsletter, Business News, he states, “I find it disheartening that often the most vocal members of our community are generation X-ers. Citing that their complaints fall on deaf ears, my generation has a growing frustration when it comes to having places to “hang out” or more activities that cater to their interests. In addition there has been increasing frustration from young citizens on their inability to afford a home within our city. Too often, they forget their right as an American to vote.”

He goes on to say, “It is selfish for us to not engage actively in choosing the leadership and policies that will help govern Salem. People died for the right to vote, and we must celebrate those who gave their life by casting our vote whenever given the opportunity.”

Again, I say, “Amen! Right on, young people of Marion County!”

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