Miami Open Data Survey:
Seeking insight from candidates on local transparency and records access.
We are Code for Miami, a local, volunteer brigade of Code for America, a non-profit organization of citizens, technologists and public servants working together to address civic and community issues through open data and technology. We’re sending every local candidate in the 2014 elections this survey to help voters understand candidates' ideas and approaches on transparency and open data.
What is open data?
Open data is the idea that citizens should have quick and inexpensive access to download and use the raw data that governments control. Historically, access to this data has only been available via formal data requests to government entities, sometimes at significant expense. Nationally, Code for America has helped launch more than 20 civic applications created by citizens to make to government services more accessible to constituents. Across the nation, cities are enabling this access by passing resolutions, executive orders, and ordinances that promote or mandate the release of city data.
Why does open data matter?
We think that open access to government data is a vital issue. It is the tool of government transparency for our time, the foundation of community and civic technology innovation, and an enabler of democratic participation in government processes. For these reasons, we would like to understand the stance of candidates for Mayor, County Commission and City Councils regarding open data.
The Survey
Here are the questions we're sending candidates:
Candidate responses will be published by Code for Miami and shared with media.
1. What is your general view on government making Open Data available to citizens? Based on your experience, does Miami currently provide enough Open Data?
2. How will your administration use technology and information to create new opportunities for resident participation in public decision-making processes?
3. How will your administration support making Open Data available for economic development and social entrepreneurship?
4. If elected would you consider signing an “Open Data” pledge?
Results
Results that we have received are listed below. Candidates who have responded to the survey are listed first. Candidates who have not responded are listed after.
MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RACE
Alex Dominguez
1. I support the idea of open data similar to what other major cities are doing. Presently is a too difficult and time consuming to request public documents in the City of Miami. We need a more open and transparent system.
2. Would need to have a sit down with developers and technicians to custom build a system that is both practical and sustainable.
3. Open minded to discussing new ideas and possibilities for Open Data. Would like more data and info on how it's working in other cities.
4. Yes.
Robert Malone, Jr.
1. I completely support Open Data. I want all residents, business owners, stakeholders and visitors to have much more access to information. As I knock on doors and as I attend meetings I constantly hear that the City of Miami needs to make information more accessible. In fact, many people claim the City all too often makes it incredibly difficult for citizens to get information. The information available on the official New York City website is incredible. That should be Miami's goal.
2.If elected, I will immediately request a meeting with your group and other experts in Open Code. Then I will request a meeting with the City Manager. I definitely want to see the Freedom of Information Act Requests (Chp 119) handled much more quickly and much less expensively. I have heard many terrible stories about citizens being shunted aside. Often the City will provide Chp 119 production in .pst format which few citizens can open. Open Code can help encourage more businesses to open in Miami.
3.I will need to become better informed. I know your group and other like minded groups can provide great information. I favor polls. I favor easy to find and understand websites. I very much respect the City of New York and the incredible amount of information available on its website.
4. Yes.
Frank Carollo
No response
Richard Paul Dunn II
No response
Keon Hardemon
No response
Jacquetta “Jacqui” Colyer
No response
MIAMI CITY MAYOR'S RACE
Williams Ambrister
1. Visit-www.yourservant.org
2. Visit-www.yourservant.org
3. Visit-www.yourservant.org
4. Visit-www.yourservant.org
Tom Baumann
No response
Jeffrey Anthony Benjamin
No response
Tomås RegaladoTomås Regalado
No response
MIAMI BEACH MAYOR'S RACE
Steve Berke
No response.
Michael Gongora
No response.
Philip Levine
No response.
MIAMI BEACH CITY COMMISSION RACE
Mohammed Islam
No response.
Sherry Kaplan Roberts
No response.
Micky Steinberg
No response.
Elsa Urquiza
No response.
Dave Crystal
No response.
Jorge Exposito
No response.
Micahel Greico
No response.
Matti Herrera Bower
No response.
Joy Malakoff
No response.
Supporters
The following organizations have signed on to support this effort:
Society of Professional Journalists FloridaContact us
Code for Miami Brigade Captains are Ernie Hsiung (ehsiung at codeforamerica.org ) and Rebekah Monson (rmonson at codeforamerica.org ). If you have questions or comments about the survey, we want to hear from you.