Reporting problems easier with technology
By: Anna Carrera/WCIA-3 News
Updated: February 18, 2013
CHAMPAIGN -- Reporting a problem to city leaders is getting easier. It's part of a new program called "See, Click, Fix." Many hope it catches on.
It's going to be an app on your smartphone, but it's also a website you can use. People can report problems like holes in the sidewalk or traffic lights that aren't working. City leaders will be able to find out about them quicker and easier than before.
"Honestly, it's pretty much an eyesore for the people who live in the subdivision," said David Huffman, of Champaign. "It's just not good to look at when you look out your backyard and you see a bunch of trash."
Huffman lives behind a lot right next to the Champaign Walmart. He goes running around here but realizes there are potential dangers.
"It's not good to see and it's not healthy especially if there's kids in the neighborhood," said Huffman.
The trash is just one thing people say needs to be taken care of. With new technology, they'll be able to raise a red flag with the click of a mouse.
"This will bring it right to the front line," said Karen Foster, who is on Champaign's City Council. "This app will be on a smartphone and it'll be at your fingertips."
Foster said it's a great way for people to report issues they see. There are nine categories of problems, like trash or potholes.
"You can give a description of what you see," said Foster. "You can locate on in a map and you can take a picture."
Some said opening this door for input could be a little overwhelming.
"They'd probably be getting way too many than they could count because I think people would be emailing, texting every single minute of the day because its pretty bad," said Huffman.
But Foster is optimistic it'll catch on and be helpful in the future.
"It is a valuable tool," said Foster. "It will be a valuable tool for the citizens."
This program is meant for non-emergency issues. After you submit your request, the city gets a copy of it and you can track when the problem gets fixed. You can start using the app for free in March.
To find out more about it, click on this link.
It's going to be an app on your smartphone, but it's also a website you can use. People can report problems like holes in the sidewalk or traffic lights that aren't working. City leaders will be able to find out about them quicker and easier than before.
"Honestly, it's pretty much an eyesore for the people who live in the subdivision," said David Huffman, of Champaign. "It's just not good to look at when you look out your backyard and you see a bunch of trash."
Huffman lives behind a lot right next to the Champaign Walmart. He goes running around here but realizes there are potential dangers.
"It's not good to see and it's not healthy especially if there's kids in the neighborhood," said Huffman.
The trash is just one thing people say needs to be taken care of. With new technology, they'll be able to raise a red flag with the click of a mouse.
"This will bring it right to the front line," said Karen Foster, who is on Champaign's City Council. "This app will be on a smartphone and it'll be at your fingertips."
Foster said it's a great way for people to report issues they see. There are nine categories of problems, like trash or potholes.
"You can give a description of what you see," said Foster. "You can locate on in a map and you can take a picture."
Some said opening this door for input could be a little overwhelming.
"They'd probably be getting way too many than they could count because I think people would be emailing, texting every single minute of the day because its pretty bad," said Huffman.
But Foster is optimistic it'll catch on and be helpful in the future.
"It is a valuable tool," said Foster. "It will be a valuable tool for the citizens."
This program is meant for non-emergency issues. After you submit your request, the city gets a copy of it and you can track when the problem gets fixed. You can start using the app for free in March.
To find out more about it, click on this link.
