Lake County News

Written by Editor
Wednesday, 11 July 2007

SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Patty Berg is ready for her close-up.

The Democratic lawmaker from Eureka on Tuesday unveiled a new feature to her official Web site, adding a pair of minute-long videos in which she makes the case for two of her bills that are currently making their way through the state Senate.

“More and more of our public conversation happens online and in video,” said Berg. “I want my bills to be a part of that conversation.”

The Web site also has many features, including a general bill search mechanism, links to various state and local agencies and district information.

This is part of Berg’s ongoing effort to digitize and use technology to make government more transparent and more accessible. The Assemblywoman, who chairs the Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, often jokes about her difficulty with technology, but is nonetheless committed to its use.

Earlier this year, Berg distributed a mass e-mail encouraging North Coast residents to contact the California Transportation Commission to protest the loss of highway dollars for a long-delayed highway project in Willits. That effort yielded significant response, and the commission has since voted to provide funding for the Willits project.

“There was a time when politicians shouted from the back of trains,” said Berg. “We don’t know what the future will bring, but we know that right now the Internet is the place to be.”

To check the Web site, visit http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a01/.