Salt Lake County unveils new "Public Forum" for resident input

It could be just the ticket for Salt Lake County residents who have been itching to get in their two cents-worth but don't want to phone Mayor Peter Corroon or council members to do it.

Wednesday, Corroon unveiled the county's new Public Forum. It allows taxpayers, and others, to weigh in on current topics. And it allows viewers to see what others are thinking.

Residents can access the new communication tool by visiting Salt Lake County's home page at www.slco.org and clicking the Public Forum icon on the right-hand side of the screen.

"Our goal with the online Public Forum is to get greater feedback in a friendly way," the mayor said.

Users, whether they live in the county or not, must register online with names, addresses and phone numbers and emails. Those who wish can sign up for email alerts to new topics. The personal information will be secure and will not be made public. Names will be attached to comments only at the users' request.

Corroon said that he hopes respondents will keep their comments civil. Citizen responses will be monitored and no vulgarity will be allowed. However, strong views on issues stated in a civil fashion are welcome, the mayor said.

The new Public Forum not only will allow county officials to see how residents feel about issues, it also tracks comments by region to determine how people in different sections of the county view various topics.

"This will help us provide better customer service," Corroon said.

­­—Christopher Smart