It's Time To Modernize Government Communication In Palos Park

PALOS PARK, IL -- Strong communication with residents is a vital part of any effective government. While many suburbs, including Lemont, La Grange, and Skokie have launched mobile apps to communicate and provide services to residents, Palos Park has not. This has resulted not only in missed communication opportunities, but also lost revenue for the the Village.

Palos Park should follow in the footsteps of other suburbs with the creation of a mobile app to modernize communications and enable residents to easily pay fees, including for Metra commuter parking, saving the Village significant commission and transaction fees that are currently paid to an outside provider.

With such an app, residents can stay informed and get involved in Village events, government, and so much more.

Features of the Village of Palos Park app could include:

• ‘Around The Park’ section to feature upcoming community events and sponsored deals from local businesses
• A built in-house Metra lot payment system
• Digital library card with due date reminders and the option to renew materials through the app
• Waste & Recycling pick-up schedule with push notifications to remind residents based on their home's address.
• Recreation and Parks digital catalog and registration system
• Police alerts and contact buttons
• Request senior checks, motorist assistance, and premise checks from PPPD
• Report erratic drivers, roadway hazards, and illegally parked vehicles
• Contact buttons to call the Police Department
• Pothole & Graffiti Reporting
• Request a tree planting
• Request litter clean-up gear
• Live stream of Village Council meetings (currently, only AT&T U-Verse and WOW! customers are able to watch the meetings live).

EDITOR'S NOTE: Nicholas Baker is a candidate running for mayor of Palos Park.