The Modest Digital Proposal----A simple proposal to adjust public process to the digital age.

(Ed. note: Although The Observer mostly remains silent and reports, I will occasionally speak..this post is one such rare moment. )


Whereas, the City of Evansville desires to promptly report to its citizens the minutes of all publically held meetings so as to inform, as well as to maintain the good faith of its citizens, and..

Whereas, the City of Evansville currently has a recording system present in city council chambers that serves to record minutes on cassette format for transcription,and,...

Whereas this recording system has an additonal "audio out" port that a small digital recorder could be attached with little effort,....and....little cost...

Whereas the city, in its police operations is well acquainted with the use of digital recorders, and their nominal cost...

Thus The Observer requests and asks for public support for the addition of a digital recorder for the use of common council as well as planning commission meetings so that the audio minutes can be placed on the web site for all citizens to listen. This would in no way interfere with the cassette recorder procedures. The Observer would be willing to seek grant funds for the costs which are thought to be less than $300 initial cost and $100 for yearly site server maintenance.

This modest administrative improvement would bring current administrative process in line with other cities which have on their web sites the choice of audio or video of all common council meetings.