Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County
Balancing Technology and Humanity: Insights from El Paso County's Communications Team
In the latest episode of "Beyond the Dais," hosted by Scott Anderson, we delve into an insightful conversation with Vernon Stewart, Executive Director of the Communications Department, and Mike Madsen, Open Records Manager, about the complexities of integrating technology into government communication while maintaining a sense of humanity and personal touch. This discussion unravels their strategic approach to serving the El Paso County community, emphasizing the need for balance in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Harnessing Technology: A Double-Edged Sword: Scott kicks off the episode with Vernon Stewart sharing a relatable story about leveraging technology to solve a math problem, a scenario that aptly leads into the broader theme of technology's role in both their professional and personal lives. Mike Madsen jumps in with his take on technology in education, highlighting the benefits and potential pitfalls. They reminisce about the simplicity of tools like the slide ruler and the deep understanding required for its use – a nod to the foundational concepts that often get obscured by high-tech solutions.
When AI Meets Strategic Communication: Stewart and Madsen then transition into discussing the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their workflow. While the perils of relying too heavily on technology are accentuated, Madsen confesses to employing AI for drafting talking points, underscoring the indispensable human element in interpreting AI output. It's a reflection on the importance of maintaining creativity and critical thinking in their practice.
AI: A Future Ally in Government Workflows: Both guests ponder on AI's prospective advantages in their day-to-day operations. The technology, they agree, should support and augment their efforts, not substitute for the genuine human connection that is vital in their roles.
Engagement and Feedback: The Pulse of Public Service: The heart of the conversation beats around the theme of community involvement. Vernon Stewart articulates the leadership team's commitment to serving residents with passion and zeal. With a variety of communication channels at their disposal, there's a strong push towards continuous improvement based on resident feedback.
The Need for a Feedback Facelift: Stewart touches on the current mechanisms for feedback collection such as Citizen Connect, while also acknowledging the lack of a standardized approach. He discloses plans for enhancing these techniques to streamline decision-making and resource allocation. Madsen shares tangible examples where resident input led to concrete improvements, like accepting credit card payments for open records requests.
Professional Growth and Government Transparency: Our experts dive deep into a recent initiative that underscores government transparency and the prospect of leadership growth. Madsen recounts stepping in as the interim deputy director, a role that thrust him into handling a complex media inquiry, an opportunity for both professional development and reinforcing the county's commitment to transparency. With the website redesign and a fully staffed team, Stewart shines a light on their progress in enhancing service delivery.
A Strategic Approach to Public Engagement: As the conversation wraps up, Stewart and Madsen detail their on-going projects focused on infrastructure, traffic, and increasing public engagement. Their collaborative approach to the county's strategic plan and the desire for effective community input is telling of their dedication to the residents of El Paso County.
Finding Harmony in Technological Advancements: Scott poses a reflective question for the duo - how do we use technology as an empowering tool without becoming dependent on it? The experiences shared by Stewart and Madsen are a testament to the commitment of El Paso County's Communications Team to this balance, recognizing that while technology can streamline processes and provide invaluable data, the human aspect of their work remains irreplaceable.
It's clear that as El Paso County moves forward, the stewardship of Vernon Stewart, Mike Madsen, and their team will continue to cultivate a government that listens, adapts, and serves with a blend of innovation and interaction.
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