Technology, properly implemented, should be invaluable in allowing public access needs to be met electronically and automatically, liberating government employees to attend to the priorities of improved government services. Conclusion Information technology will, as it is impacting all other aspects of society, change the entire dynamics of governance. The capacity of the global information infrastructure to connect citizens to government will empower democracy in action by increasing public access to the information resources which are an essential and valued product of citizens' investment in government. Recognizing that potential, those in public service must be vigilant toward assuring that technology is first used to enhance and better execute the priority services which are the purpose for which government exists. In doing so, the policies and strategies of balancing public access with public service can be managed toward successful results that improve government and expand the strength and power of democracy in the 21st century.
Government has real opportunity to reengineer the client interface.
The point is that we re-engineer toward the end of achieving both improving better government and public access. Author Information Peter J. McGeoch is the Chief Information Officer for the State of Ohio, United States of America. The views expressed in this chapter are their personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the State of Ohio.