CGA General Law Committee

February 26, 2008 Public Hearing

Submitted by Christine S. Horrigan, Government Director

Comments On:

HB 5030 AA Establishing An Electronic Citizen’s Forum

**************************************************************

I am Government Director for the League of Women Voters of Connecticut, a statewide organization with over 2300 members dedicating to improving the electoral process and encouraging the active participation of citizens in government.  On behalf of the League, I would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to comment upon HB 5030, An Act Establishing An Electronic Citizen’s Forum.

The League of Women Voters believes that democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens.  The League further believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibility, and adequate financing and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government.  Responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people.

The League supports the establishment of an electronic Citizen’s Forum as a means of encouraging active participation in government and improvement in government services with the following caveats:

·        Submissions to the forum should be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, albeit with appropriate safeguards to protect the name and other identifying information of the party making the submission

·        The Connecticut General Assembly should be included among the agencies for citizens’ input and suggestions for improvement.

·        In addition to the Governor, the Commissioner of Consumer Protection’s annual reports should be submitted to the General Assembly and be posted in a timely manner on the Citizen’s Forum.

With these additions, the League believes that the Citizen’s Forum has the potential to become an important “voice” of the people and will help improve government services.

Thank you.

League of Women Voters of Connecticut · 1890 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06514 · 203/288-7996

[Back] [LWVCT] [Home] [Next]

©2008 The League of Women Voters of Connecticut, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.