Kudos

EXAMINER’S WEB SITE POSTS PUBLIC-EMPLOYEE DATABASES

Using public-access laws, examiner.com is partnering with Washington-area citizens and civic groups to post “comprehensive compensation databases” on the Internet.

The Washington Examiner Community Action Network is still under construction, but databases already have been posted for salaries of government employees in Alexandria, Fairfax County and Maryland’s Montgomery County.

Mark Tapscott, Examiner editorial page editor, wrote that the WECAN Web site “brings civic action and public accountability resources together in one place.”

WECAN posted the Fairfax County government workforce database at: www.examiner.com/documents/DC-Examiner/FairfaxCountySalary.xls

The Alexandria database is at: www.examiner.com/documents/DC-Examiner/AlexandriaCitySalary.com.xls .

By putting databases and other resources on the Internet, WECAN makes it possible to focus hundreds or even thousands of pairs of eyes and brains on key government activities or services, Tapscott wrote.

“Compensation of public employees is of fundamental importance to the accountability process, but it is only part of it,” he added.

WECAN will also be posting databases and other resources having to do with budgets, expense accounts, audits, tax rolls, health and safety inspections and much else — all with the idea of partnering with readers in doing analyses independent of official spin, Tapscott said.

WEB ARCHIVE HONORED

The Library of Virginia archive system received an honorable mention at the Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium 2006 for its work in making the Web archive of the Warner administration accessible to the public through the library’s Web site.

The awards program honors outstanding achievements and recognizes innovative technology initiations in the public sector throughout the Commonwealth.

The Library’s award was in COVITS’ Increased Accessibility to Government category.

ARLINGTON HELPS RESIDENTS TRACK CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Thanks to a new online database, Arlington County citizens can determine the status of a project with just a few clicks of a mouse, get an overview of the scope of the project and find out who the project manager is if they need more information. The database is searchable by neighborhood, street, program, project type and phase. The database, named CAPTrack, has been online a year, and is still growing and expanding. The current version has several piggy-backed applications, including a utilities relocation report. Future versions will harness some of the county’s Geographic Information System. A county official wrote that “CAPTrack serves as a core tool for project management and coordination and most importantly, keeping concerned citizens informed.”

ONLINE DATA

Thanks to Sen. Walter A. Stosch, R-Henrico County, Virginians have a wealth of data about state and local agencies and employees at their fingertips.

By visiting the Commonwealth Data Point Web site (http://spirit.apa.virginia.gov), any citizen can throw open a window on day-to-day operations. As noted in a Virginian-Pilot editorial, “not only will that build a more knowledgeable citizenry; it’s also a double-check on performance by an untapped cadre of . . .experts.’”

Auditor of Public Accounts Walter Kucharski, whose office maintains the Web site, says it went online without hiring additional staff. More information and reports will be posted, he added.

PRIME-TIME DEBATE

WTVR, Richmond’s CBS station, joined with public broadcasting and the League of Women Voters in sponsoring a live, hour-long televised debate in October between George Allen and Jim Webb, the major-party candidates for Virginia’s U.S. Senate seat.

The telecast was made available to Virginia radio, television and broadband media for live or delayed broadcast. The format included a live studio audience, a moderator and a three-person panel of questioners.

FILLING THOSE VACANCIES

Unlike many local governments, Carroll County’s Board of Supervisors filled a recent board vacancy in the sunlight. Supervisors had two candidates to choose from. Instead of shutting the door on the public, they held a special public meeting to consider the appointment.

The candidates introduced themselves to the supervisors and the audience, then talked at length about their qualifications and interest in the county.

The supervisors briefly discussed how they might nominate the replacement for Sulphur Springs, and noted they had to choose one of two good candidates.

Ultimately, one candidate was nominated and unanimously selected.