Ellen Perlman was a GOVERNING staff writer and technology columnist.
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Babble and Waffle
The Brits aren't any better at avoiding government jargon than we are. Hence the list of 200 of words the Local Government Association would like public agencies to avoid. Phrases such as "stakeholder engagement." Why not say "talk to people," said the chairman of the association, according to a Reuters story.
The banned words were taken from government documents and the list is being sent to councils around the country, with the goal of getting everyone to convey their "ideas more clearly," rather than be "consensually transparent."
So, all together now, is it transformation or is it simply change? Benchmarking or measuring? Menu of options, or choices? The basic point is to avoid "the babble, waffle and impenetrable jargon beloved of politicians and middle managers."
Enough said.
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Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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