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Housing Crisis, Efficient Government, Drug Abuse, Transportation and Economics, Parks and Recreation
EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT
The Washington Post reported on November 28, 2006 that deficient administrative procedures at Department of Mental Health and the MRDDA had contributed to a nearly $300 million budget shortfall for the District.
INTEGRATED APPROACH WOULD SAVE
MONEY
With training in Systems Theory and a Masters Degree in Social Work, Marlena
Edwards understands the dynamics of large organizations such as municipal
government.
She says it is a well recognized fact that our most vexing challenges in meeting the needs of District residents are multidisciplinary. Though existing programs target many of these needs, Systems Theory teaches that; problems in service delivery may arise due to the very nature of large organizations,”.
Within large organizations departments evolve along different lines, developing
distinctive priorities and agendas. For example, here in the District
the various Governmental departments computer systems function using a
smorgasbord of incompatible software packages, which, in some cases don’t
even speak the same language. Departments within agencies are discouraged
from interacting with one another by a system which forces them to compete
with one another for scarce resources. Even within individual city agencies,
insular departmental practices and agendas too often result in waste,
duplication of effort, unnecessary expenses and losses. The Department
of Mental Health for instance had adopted the habit of not filing for
Federal Medicaid and Medicare Reinbursement, eventually costing the city
millions in federal revenue.
Marlena Edwards is just as troubled by the personal hardships endured by vulnerable residents, who for similar reasons fall through gaps in service. But the system can be fixed.
SOLUTION
As Ward 4 City Council Representative Edwards would introduce legislation
to establish an Inter-Operability Commission (IOC) which would set standards
for administrative procedures across City agencies. The IOC would be composed
of agency management, systems specialists and representatives of front-line
personnel. The commission would establish guidelines for the integration
of computer systems and develop systems to coordinate service delivery
between agencies in areas critical to vulnerable populations. In addition,
the Commission would set standards to certify Information Technology (IT)
contractors and pass these recommendations to the Mayor. The IOC would
set standards and protocols for the sharing of data and promote increased
flexibility when dealing with responsibilities that cross agency lines.
When implemented the IOC will promote increased performance and accountability
throughout all functions of governance.
Edwards 10 years experience in District Government in the health service delivery system gives her the credibility, insight, knowledge and experience to bring all of the stake holders to the table. As Ward 4 City Council Representative she will be a bridge builder between the various agencies serving the critical needs of residents, helping them to reach meaningful and measurable goals.
To learn more about Edwards’ systematic approach, and to meet her in person click this link. And on MAY 1st Vote for Marlena Edwards for Ward 4 City Council.
Paid For By Marlena Edwards 2007
Calvin Lucas, Treasurer
