By Jay Resio, CEO, MyGov365

Interview by Matt Pross, TEQ Staff Writer

Why did you create the MyGov365.com platform?
It’s clear there’s a huge communication gap between citizens and government. Decisions are being made that affect us each and every day, yet we don’t have a real voice in these decisions each and every day. Our society has seen countless ways in which innovative technologies have been used to create a more collaborative and open environment in various industries and across numerous target audiences. As a citizen, I wanted an easy way to access all kinds of legislative information and provide feedback to my elected officials. If I were an elected official, I would want this information at my fingertips so I could craft legislation and make decisions that align with my constituents’ needs and wants. It’s time we apply innovation and ingenuity to make this happen.

What are some of the key features of MyGov365.com?
It can be challenging for the average citizen to find information online about politics and government. You have to visit dozens and dozens of Web sites to find information and the content is very fragmented. With MyGov365, you can access all the info in one place and the platform intelligently connects all of the dots for you. Simply customize user preferences and we can feed you more relevant information such as your elected officials, what bills they are introducing, their voting history, candidates running in your area, alerts to new or updated legislation, and local government news. In addition, users can create profiles, blog, post events, create groups, make connections, and more.

What levels of government does the site focus on?
All levels of government – local, state and federal. Initially, we will run a beta within the Pittsburgh region that will have legislative data from the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, the State of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Congress.

Is MyGov365 the first social networking site of its kind?
While MyGov365 didn’t invent social networking, we are definitely the first-mover in combining it with legislative and civic activities for all levels of government. There is no other place online that you can vote on a piece of legislation, provide feedback to your elected officials and socially connect and share ideas with like-minded citizens, government and political professionals - all in one place, while eating breakfast in your pajamas.

Over the next few years, what are your ultimate goals for MyGov365.com?
If you want to purchase a book online, where would you go? Most people would say Amazon. If you want to find out about all things politics and government, where would you go? Currently… nowhere! Our ultimate goal is to become the most compelling, comprehensive and easy to use, top of mind resource for citizens, government and political professionals.

In your opinion, what will be the result if this method is widely adopted?
Society will become more engaged and better informed. There will be a new level of transparency and openness; created by easy access to information on all levels – local, state and federal. Society will be empowered with the tools that truly put the “People” back into “We the People.” Their voices can be heard. And as a result, governments, elected officials and political decision makers will be listening and learning. They will become more responsive to their constituents. We will then have a society that is governed by relevancy and responsibility.