www.countyonline
Fayette County Commissioners Angela Zimmerlink and Joe Hardy appear at odds over developing a county Web site. But they really are after the same thing. The ever-frugal Zimmerlink went shopping around to find out what is available on a budget, and has found that free or low-cost options exist, including styling the county’s the same way as Pennsylvania’s easy-to-navigate PowerPort. There’s nothing wrong with her idea.
But typical of Hardy’s style, he wants one with plenty of bells and whistles. He and Commissioner Vince Vicites want the “best of the best.” Vicites said a $20,000 state grant is on the way to help develop a site. And as with most projects the multi-millionaire Hardy promotes, money presents no obstacle.
The commissioners need first to define how they want the site to perform. Cutting edge graphics and newer technologies would provide a “wow” factor. But with any of today’s technology, that factor would be short lived. And just because a Web site is exciting to look at, it won’t drive outsiders to its portal, nor will it bring them back if it doesn’t offer the nuts and bolts of county government.
Hardy’s own Web sites for 84 Lumber and Nemacolin Woodlands give viewers what they came for, a sense of what the businesses offer and an opportunity to purchase what they need.
That same consumer-friendly approach must drive the development of the county’s site. If county residents can’t buy a dog license, register to vote or file for a building permit, the site will hold little worth to those who will be asked to pay for its technical support year after year.
It appears all three commissioners are after the same thing: an attractive, user-friendly site. Cooperation ought to see it through. Fayette is one of seven of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties without a Web site.
The county tried two years ago to develop one but floundered when commissioners were unable to narrow vastly divergent options.
This time the commissioners should look at the things they want in common and start from there. The best Web sites aren’t static; they interact and respond to the wants and needs of the users.