Still No Woodford County Web Site!

It has now been eight months since the Peoria Journal Star headline screamed, "Woodford County To Develop Web Site"!

Chairman Whitaker said, "Ten years ago, I would have scratched my head and said, 'Is this something we really need?' Today, we really need it."

The newly hired Administrator Greg Jackson said, "There are efficiencies that can be gained from e-government technologies," Jackson said. "It also shows the public that we are an open government and allows (the general public) to come online and see what we can do."

Of course this was during the primary election when certain candidates were vowing to "drag Woodford County, kicking and screaming if necessary, into the 21st century". We believed then and we believe now that this publicized vapor-ware of a web site was a stunt.

The County Board granted over $6,000 to Minonk to develop a web site. It's granted money to El Paso. Presumably the need is perceived for a county website:

Jackson said his efforts, thus far, have been well-received, with all the county department heads and elected officials supportive of the Web idea. "They are as excited about this as I am," he said.

Meanwhile, citizens of Woodford County must drive by the County Boardroom in order to see meeting agendas and minutes. There is no easy way to email Board Members. There is no easy way for voters to monitor budgets or committee meetings. The majority of Illinois counties had up to the minute elections results last week. Not Woodford. Many Illinois Counties allow for fee paying online. Not Woodford County.

Perhaps the leadership has been too busy scheduling special meetings to discuss the sanctioning of other Board members to worry about tax payer participation in local government.

This is an issue of transparency in government. Woodford should open up to scrutiny by the taxpayers.

Eight months and counting since the promises. We'll keep you posted.