Va. cities turn to iPad for gov't work

Williamsburg city officials have decided that the town known for its 18th century roots needs to embrace 21st century technology.

Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the Apple iPad so council agendas and other business matters could be handled electronically rather than by paper.

The move is expected to save thousands of sheets of paper, and follows a similar action taken in May by Hampton City Council.

While moving to electronics is seen as a cost-saving measure, Megan Rhyne with the Virginia Coalition for Open Government says the new technology could lead to abuses.

She says the devices can potentially allow council members to communicate with each other electronically during meetings without the public knowing.
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Information from: Daily Press, http://www.dailypress.com