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Guest Editorial
No web woes here
The ability of your Town government to provide information on services and activities has taken a big leap forward. During the course of the last few months, we have provided staff training and gained the technical ability that now enables our departments, on a continuous basis, to update information about services via the Town's Web site, www.tocny.org. Although the Town has operated the Web site for a number of years, it previously was necessary for our departments to provide new information to an individual under contract.
It is widely known that for young people the use of computers and the Internet is commonplace. However, many are surprised to learn that senior citizens are spending an increasing amount of time online. A survey shows that the portion of Americans 50 and older who regularly use the Internet is up to 47 percent, and the fastest growth in Internet use is in the over 55 age group. Our Senior Services department includes computer classes among the long list of activities it provides. While research says that seniors may often times be using their computers to access health related information, they and others will use the World Wide Web to access news, weather and sports reports, to plan and book vacations and to find out more about their various ideas and interests. Constantly updating information on the website in a cost effective manner was a necessary priority of mine.
If you haven't had the opportunity to do so, I would like to suggest that you take a look at the Web site's home page. It has a quick link to the Town Clerk System which provides you with the opportunity to view Town Board agendas and resolutions. Other links allow you to request tax bills or make tax bill payments, to access the assessment roll system and to learn about town codes and ordinances.
When you click on the government button, you will find the 2007 meeting schedule and a listing of town departments which will provide answers to some frequently asked questions. Other buttons provide information or links for organizations that serve our population along with an events calendar.
While www.tocny.org provides us with another way to convey information to you, it is a two-way form of communication. Utilizing the Supervisor's Hotline link you can feel free to place your comment, request or complaint in the fields provided and I promise you we will review every submission.
I want to assure the readers of this publication, that we will continue to utilize all forms of print and electronic media to keep you informed. Also, the staff of the Town departments will always be expected to provide you with thorough information on their services in a courteous manner. The Town Web site is a supplement which allows you to access and provide information during and after regular
business hours.
James J. Janowiak, Town Supervisor
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