LD 1878 might have the potential to save some money by switching from a paper notification system to an online one for public notices, but at what cost? It risks alienating a substantial chunk of taxpayers – those who do not possess the technological proficiency to effectively utilize such a system.

As a 22-year-old who has grown up alongside the technology, I still recognize the Internet does not come as second nature to everyone. I know people my age who cannot operate a computer. Why should we force citizens to learn new skills in order to track down information previously offered in what, for them, was a convenient format?

Do we believe people will take the initiative to make a habit of checking up regularly on such a passive system? Paper announcements work because they are placed within a format already being accessed for other content.

I find it humorous and disturbing every time an out-of-the-loop official offers the Internet as a blanket solution to all our problems, without really understanding the limits of the technology, in the belief miracles will happen. This kind of switch might make sense in 10 or 20 years, but I don’t believe we’re there yet.

If LD 1878 in its current form passes, we might as well do away with notifications altogether. An online system isn’t a bad idea, but if put into action, it should run tandem to the current printed announcements, not replace them.

Jonathan Prusik, Farmington