As a candidate for Syracuse City Auditor, I propose the City launch of “Operation: Syracuse Everywhere” for bringing openness and transparency to all municipal meetings and creating wireless connectivity throughout the city for all citizens.
“Decisions affecting our citizens cannot be made behind closed doors. Elected officials must offer a full airing of the issues BEFORE a decision is made. Then, and only then, should the decision be made. Due process in all venues is a core requirement in a democracy.”
In order to insure all citizens have the opportunity to know how their government is working, I propose:
1. Common Council Meetings, School District Board Meeting and all formal agency deliberations should be carried on a city cable channel or streamed over the Internet.
2. Connections should be made interactive so that citizens who cannot physically attend a meeting are able to voice an opinion or ask a question.
With the technology available today, the ability to carry the Council, District and other meeting on cable and stream on the Internet is relatively simple. There would be no cost to the city, as during cable franchise negotiations they could easily be made part of the agreement as many other cities have around the country. Syracuse City has been operating for over two years without an agreement and the City could easily avail themselves of the opportunity.
I also propose that the City step forward into the 21st Century and be recognized as technically advanced by developing a municipal Wi-Fi network available to citizens and businesses throughout the city. Based on current technology, my plan would install Wi-Fi antennae in strategic locations throughout the city to connect with a system delivering an Internet Broadband network across downtown and all neighborhoods.
The Wi-Fi network, called “Syracuse Everywhere,” would create a wireless infrastructure bringing broadband and high speed Internet access to residents, businesses and other organizations.
“In launching ‘Syracuse Everywhere’, we will (1) immediately give Syracuse a competitive advantage as a friendly and connected place to live, (2) offer a common utility to residents, businesses and organizations, (3) make Syracuse more attractive to young professionals and (4) showcase Syracuse as a city embracing the digital frontier of the 21st century.”
