Hi all,
I’d like to propose a conference call to discuss something.
In 2009, we proposed that Oregon create a state transparency website that has a searchable, sortable interface. However, that specific requirement got taken out of the legislation because the Department of Administrative Services said it would cost $7 million to do. So instead, currently at www.oregon.gov/transparency, you can get raw data in spreadsheets. You can not do a search of the data, and databases are not linked together.
Now, the reason they put that number on the cost is that they say to do this, they need to spend the money to get all the state’s data collection standardized. They are supposedly working toward that goal slowly, but for now, all the data lacks consistency. However, as you can see, there is at least some raw data available, and one of the folks emailed here, Ersun Warncke took this data and made something really cool at http://transparency.salem-news.com/
So what I want to discuss is this – what would it REALLY cost to do what we think needs to be done? And by what we think needs to be done, I mean being able to search the website for something like “Intel” and be able to view all the contracts with the state Intel has, what tax subsidies they receive, what they and their executives have given in campaign contributions, etc.
Is there any interest in having a conference call about this?
Thanks.
..Jon
======================
Jon Bartholomew
Policy Advocate
OSPIRG - www.ospirg.org
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office 503.231.4181 x374
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Thanks for responding, Pete.
And sorry I have been so slow to follow up. It’s been crazy here. Perhaps we don’t need a conference call as much as having an email discussion.
I like the idea of having the state or even someone line Sunlight Foundation fund a contest like Apps for America. Of course, it would be Apps for Oregon! Perhaps in the process of having people develop apps, we can identify where the gaps are that need to be filled in terms of what information is available and what needs to be made more consistent.
I totally agree with your concerns about computer system upgrades being done without an eye to transparency. It’s going to require pressure on agencies (particularly DAS) to keep it as a top priority, and also leadership, so we should do what we can to make this an issue in the gubernatorial race. The next governor needs to be clear how he wants things to go.
Ersun’s comments to me show there is a lot of work that still needs to be done just to get agencies to understand that their data is public information! At least currently the AG is going around the state collecting comments on improving overall transparency. But putting it online is more of a job for the transparency advisory commission.
By the way, the next Transparency Commission meeting will be on May 27th from 9 to 11 at the state capitol in hearing room F. We don’t have an agenda finalized yet, but I have been told we will have 20-30 minutes set aside for public comment. And of course, we will accept written testimony as well.
So let me know if you are going to be able to come to that meeting (and Ben, let’s get together before hand).
..jon
Hi all,
I’d like to propose a conference call to discuss something.
In 2009, we proposed that Oregon create a state transparency website that has a searchable, sortable interface. However, that specific requirement got taken out of the legislation because the Department of Administrative Services said it would cost $7 million to do. So instead, currently at www.oregon.gov/transparency, you can get raw data in spreadsheets. You can not do a search of the data, and databases are not linked together.
Now, the reason they put that number on the cost is that they say to do this, they need to spend the money to get all the state’s data collection standardized. They are supposedly working toward that goal slowly, but for now, all the data lacks consistency. However, as you can see, there is at least some raw data available, and one of the folks emailed here, Ersun Warncke took this data and made something really cool at http://transparency.salem-news.com/
So what I want to discuss is this – what would it REALLY cost to do what we think needs to be done? And by what we think needs to be done, I mean being able to search the website for something like “Intel” and be able to view all the contracts with the state Intel has, what tax subsidies they receive, what they and their executives have given in campaign contributions, etc.