New mobile app allows San Marcos residents to stay connected

http://star.txstate.edu/node/1068 

2. Category of Problem/Issue identified in article: Media/technology

3. Level of problem/issue: Local
4.State whether the article is concerning one of the following: An enacted policy that has been passed to help with a problem/issue that individuals/families face

 

5.Why this is important to individuals/families? This is important to individuals and families because the app is designed to help connect residents of San Marcos to the city in which they live.

6. What are your views on the issue/policy?

After learning about the new app "SMTX Connect" I think it could be beneficial to the city but I also can't help but feel like it is kind of a waste of money. I don’t think the city of San Marcos is large enough to justify the need for an app to contact city officials. Although I do think that the local app will help in maintenance requests, complaints, and concerns, I think the $50,000 spent in creating the app could really be used to benefit other concerns within the city. If you have a complaint, just calling the agency, or department that is responsible for the concern seems like it would be just as helpful as an app that puts in a request for the issue. I think that the money used for this app could have been used to help fix city problems (like potholes, traffic signs, littering, graffiti, etc.) instead. Even though I think the app was unnecessary I’m sure it will only have a positive effect on the city and will encourage people to contact the city when they have a concern. I guess since cellphones have become a staple in most everyone’s lives nowadays, texting an issue is an easier solution than picking up the phone and actually calling someone. Ultimately, the residents of San Marcos will be the ones to decide whether or not they think this is a helpful app. If not, I’m sure it won’t be renewed once it’s contract is up in five years.