Blog
Social networking as democratic accountability tool
The call for more active social network usage has recently been promoted by the Chairman of the Parliament, David Bakradze, who labeled the social network as an unique opportunity to enable citizens to directly post the question to the representative of the Government. According to Bakradze, active usage of the social network shall be priority for any state authority, the task of which to be in direct contact with people.
Tbilisi Mayor’s citizen budgeting effort is a good start; our suggestions for improvement
The Mayor’s Office recently launched a new website where citizens of Tbilisi can vote on what they think the city’s priorities should be for the next budget. Users can vote to increase funding, decrease funding, keep it the same, or cancel funding entirely for a wide range of city programs. We think this is a great initiative; it will encourage citizens to get involved in their government, and help to ensure that money is spent where it is most needed. We encourage everyone to visit the site and fill out the survey.
Constructing a highway in Imereti at the expense of the local population’s private property
The Roads Department of Georgia is working on the construction of a bypass road to Kutaisi. Within the frameworks of this project, the construction of a highway through the village of Chongari in Terjola region is planned in the Zestafoni-Kutaisi-Samtredia alignment.
The Georgian Partnership Fund
The Georgian Government recently presented the 10-point Strategic Development Plan to the public. The Plan refers, among other things, to JSC Partnership Fund which, according to the Plan, is to perform an important role.
The Poti Mayor’s Office has no money, so please voluntarily demolish your garage!
One of the main priorities outlined in the 2011 City of Poti budget is the construction of sport grounds in the yards surrounding multi-residential buildings. The residents of the city welcomed and supported this initiative until they learned that the plan would require the demolition of garages without any reimbursement to the owners. Apparently, the 2011 Poti Budget didn’t include funds for compensating the owners for the demolition of their garages.
