a067  0649  21 Feb 89
PM-Computerized City,0415
California Town Sets Up Computer Link Between Residents And
Government
    SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) - Starting today Santa Monica residents
can fire off a complaint to City Hall, look for a job or check to see
if the latest best seller is at the library, all by tapping a few
computer keys.
    Touting itself as the city of the future, Santa Monica was to go on
line with a computer system that will allow residents with personal
computers a direct hook-up with City Hall.
    Officials say they will answer each computerized missive with a
reply sent to that person's own computer.
    But residents can use the system to do more than complain about
municipal problems. They can comb the computer network to find out
such things as where to get parking permits and dog licenses, what
events are scheduled at the pier and the Santa Monica Civic
Auditorium, which city agencies are hiring, and whether or not the
books they want to pick up at the local library have already been
checked out.
    Eventually, the system will be used to apply for licenses and
permits, said Assistant City Manager Lynne C. Barrette.
    The idea is the brainchild of community activist Michael Hill.
    ''This is a marvelous way to access the (city) staff reports,'' said
Hill, who suggested the computer network two years ago. ''You can
play a truly effective role. People who feel disenfranchised can find
a way to be a part of government.''
    Not all reaction to the system has been positive, however.
    Some officials fear the computer system will give this seaside
community an an image as an elitist city catering to affluent
personal computer owners. They hope to overcome that by setting up
computer terminals at the library and other public centers to give
everyone access.
    Computer experts expressed concern that neither the public nor
bureaucrats may be ready for such an innovation.
    ''It may overburden ambivalent department heads and city employees
who want to be responsive but aren't getting additional resources,''
said Judith Payne, a social scientist at Santa Monica's Rand. Corp.
think tank.
    The cost of setting up the system has been nil, however. The
$350,000 system, called Public Electronic Network, was a gift from
two computer companies. Hewlett Packard provided the hardware and
Metasystems Inc. donated the software programs.
    The system is designed to work with any model personal computer.
There is no charge to use the network, although frequent users will
see their phone bills increasing, officials said.
    
 
AP-NY-02-21-89 0937EST
***************