Governor-elect launches website for public feedback

Lincoln Chafee, governor-elect of Rhode Island, recently launched a website that will allow members of the public to submit their opinions about the government's performance.

The website, www.governorelectchafee.org, resembles other U.S. state websites in many respects. The site contains information about the governor's team and activities, as well as recent news.

Unlike many other government websites, Governor-elect Chafee's new site also provides opportunities for visitors to make submissions.

Interested citizens are able to submit ideas for improving state government, and the site also provides an option for people interested in employment to submit a CV.

Governor-elect Chafee presented the website as an opportunity for citizens to increase their involvement in the direction of the state's government. "As governor, I will invite all Rhode Islanders to get involved in their government, encourage them to serve their state and ask them for ideas on how to make government more efficient and effective", he said. "I want everyone involved and I hope to foster a spirit of participatory citizenship".

A number of recent government website initiatives have been designed to increase transparency and citizen participation. A site recently launched by British Prime Minister David Cameron provides information about government policies and activities, as well as employee salaries and meeting schedules.