Seeking City Government Monitors

We Can Build a Better Shinagawa Together
If you have ever thought, “I want to learn more about this city where I live and I want to make it a better place,” maybe you should try “building a better Shinagawa” by being a government monitor.

What is the monitor system?
The system is a way for city residents to better understand city policies and the conditions, issues, etc., that the city government faces. It can also help us build a better Shinagawa by making use of residents’ opinions, requests and questions about the city administration.

What does a monitor do?
Fifty people are appointed as monitors out of those who apply publicly. A monitor serves a term of one year, and has the following tasks:

• Attending monitor meetings
At the meetings, administration officials explain about city measures and problems, then allow the monitors to offer their opinions and make requests.
Held about five times a year, meetings are basically conducted on weekday afternoons, with some on Saturday or Sunday. Themes for each meeting are decided by selecting from topics in which monitors are most interested. Meetings are held in Japanese.

•Making submissions to the monitor newsletter
You should mail in opinions, requests, questions, etc., as needed.

•Monitor surveys
Monitors are asked to respond to questionnaires about city policies, issues, publications and more. Themes in FY2005 included “The City’s Shopping Streets” and “Public Restrooms.”

•Others
Monitors will be asked to report on ongoing projects in the city and carry out other duties by participating in a bus tour of city and metropolitan government facilities.

How to apply to become a city government monitor
Eligibility: Individuals 20 years old or older living in Shinagawa City since before April 1, 2005 (including those who are registered as foreign residents)
Term: One year (April 1, 2006, to March 31, 2007)
How to apply: Bring or mail your application to the Public Relations Section between January 21 (Sat.) and February 17 (Fri.).
Applications available at: Public Relations Section (Hon Chosha 5F), City Administration Data Corner (Dai-san Chosha 3F), Chiiki Centers (Community Centers), Bunka Centers (Cultural Centers), city libraries, etc.
It is also available on the city’s website.
*You can request an application by mail from the Public Relations Section (Tel: 5742-6613).
For more information (and for applications), contact: Public Relations Section, Shinagawa City Office, 2-1-36 Hiromachi, 140-8715.