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EDITORIAL: iPads for commission could be a good ideaNov 30, 2012 (The Daily Republic - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A future without paper is the vision of Davison County Commission Chairman John Claggett. Claggett discussed that vision during Tuesday's commission meeting, where commissioners heard the merits of purchasing iPad computer tablets to be used by board members for official business. Well, we're no fans of a future entirely devoid of paper, for obvious reasons. But we do understand that many office buildings and companies are trying to go "green," including yours truly. Claggett said the iPad tablets would allow commissioners to access past and current documents in a more efficient manner. If they decide to move forward, they could have the tablets purchased by early 2013. We have no great disagreement with this proposal. We agree that, in the right hands, these computers are immensely helpful in day-to-day activities. If they decide to purchase iPads, commissioners would easily be able to access email, look at photos of county concern and see PowerPoint presentations. The tablets in question cost about $800 apiece. For the five members and the auditor, that's $4,800. We think this is a legitimate proposal, but we feel the tablets should not simply be purchased and given to the members. We would rather the county make the purchase and then loan the tablets to the commission members. That, or commission members should be encouraged to purchase their own iPads and then get a monthly stipend from the county, for use, wear-and-tear and related fees. Of course, if the county makes any monetary commitment, each commission member should pledge to put the handy devices to good use. Computers, tablets and iPad-like devices may not be necessary to the commission's work, but they sure could help and will become ever more useful as time goes on. We feel commissioners should get these tablets. It's just a matter of working out the details. ___ (c)2012 The Daily Republic (Mitchell, S.D.) Visit The Daily Republic (Mitchell, S.D.) at www.mitchellrepublic.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |