DOVER — A Delaware lawmaker says ending the state's practice of running legal ads in newspapers' classified sections would save millions of dollars.
Millsboro Democratic Rep. John Atkins is proposing moving the ads to the Internet. He says it would save the state $9 million.
Opponents say the change would cut off access to public information for people and businesses without Internet access.
Controller General Russell Larson says the $9 million figure represents Delaware Financial Management System expenditures that carried an advertising accounting code, which could include advertising other than traditional public notices.
The bill would not prohibit state agencies from running newspaper ads, but Atkins says he sees agencies running shorter versions directing readers to a Web site.
Today's Daily Times Article.
Here We Come Daily Times!
ReplyDeleteNo one reads newspapers anymore, for legals or otherwise. Place them on the state or county websites and keep the money.
ReplyDelete(As distasteful I find John Atkins, he's actually got a useful idea here.)
The Federal Government stopped printed notices of bids back in the 90's (Commerce Business Daily).
ReplyDeleteThis will cost money in other areas though. Like changing the requirements, ie: The Charter (atleast on a local level that would have to be done).
ReplyDeleteIt may save "some" money, but in the end, I don't believe it will be a substantial savings at all.
I'm all for saving money, but do it in a way that REALLY saves money!
Joe - Get one of your peeps to find out what the County, BOE and other local govt depts spend with the Daily Times on legal notices and help wanted ads. I guarantee that all combined, it's in the tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars each year.
ReplyDeleteThe Daily Times won't tell you but of course you can file a FOI with each agency to find out.
I met with County Executive Rick Pollitt today and offered these services for FREE on Salisbury News.
ReplyDeleteWhile legislation may change in the future in Maryland as well, we agreed that there's no reason ALL of the information advertised in the Daily Times couldn't be published for FREE in Salisbury News as well.
Delaware is a mess since the new democrat governor took over...imagine that...lol
ReplyDelete