How to Use the Better Government Bureau (BGB)

The BGB is a web accessible database of complaints filed by citizens against politicians, bureaucrats, and government agencies.  Any CRG Network member can review complaints and Associate and Delegate level members can file new complaints.  The functions listed below are all accessed by clicking the "Complaint File" tab above.

Reviewing Complaints

You must be a CRG Member to use the BGB.  If you are not a member, CLICK HERE to join CRG Network.  IT'S FREE!

1.  Search for complaints by category by selecting a Complaint Type, Government Unit, Branch, and/or State Department from the drop-down list boxes.  Select "All" in each drop-down list if you wish to see all categories.
2. Enter a Government Sub-Unit (county, city, etc.), politician/bureaucrat Last Name, or your Username (to select only complaints you filed) to further refine your search.  Pay close attention to spelling as these must be an exact match with the entries in the files you wish to review.
3. Determine the order the files will be displayed by selecting one or more sort criteria.  The default sort order is by most recent entry (reverse date order).
4. Click the "Display Selected Files" button.  This step must be repeated to refresh the display each time the selection criteria are changed or new files are added.

Adding a New Complaint

You must be an Associate or Delegate level member to add complaints.  If you are an "At Large" member, CLICK HERE to upgrade your membership level.

1. Click the blue "ADD COMPLAINT" button and you will be taken to a data entry display. 
2. Select a Complaint Type, Government Unit, and Branch from the drop-down list boxes.  You may only enter the selections appearing on these lists.
3. If the complaint is for a major state office you may also select an office from the State Department drop-down list box.
4. If the Government Unit selected is "County" or "Local", put the county, city, town, or village name in the Sub Unit field.  You may also use this field to record a State Senate, State Assembly, County, Council or other district number or any other special governmental unit or sub-unit.
5. Enter the Last Name, First Name, and Title (if known) of any key politician or bureaucrat who may be the subject or key participant in the complaint.
6. Enter a summary of the complaint.  Be as concise as possible and place the most pertinent facts at the beginning so anyone reviewing the complaint will understand the key components of the complaint.
7. Click the "Submit New Complaint" button

Editing Complaints

1. Complaint files can only be edited by the member that created them.  If a file was created by you, the word "EDIT" with appear in the green box to the left of the complaint summary.  Click this link to go to the edit file display.
2. Edit the data as required then click the "Update Complaint" button.

Deleting Complaints

1. Complaint files can only be deleted by the member that created them.  If a file was created by you, the word "DELETE" with appear in the red box to the left of the complaint summary.  Click this link to delete the file.

Complaint Policy

CRG Network reserves the right to remove complaints, at its discretion, that are deemed frivolous or include threats, expletives, or other socially unacceptable language.  Although no identifying information is displayed, CRG Network will also remove complaints determined to be filed by persons who intentionally misrepresent themselves on their membership application.

CRG Network will also accept rebuttal information by persons or agencies that are the subject of the complaint.  At its discretion, CRG Network will either post rebuttal information in the complaint summary or remove the complaint.

All communications regarding the Better Government Bureau should be directed to

crgbgb@crgnetwork.com

What is the BGB?

Think of the BGB as the government equivalent of the Better Business Bureau (BBB).  It is a place where average citizens can review and file complaints about politicians, bureaucrats, and government institutions.

The principle, however, is identical to the BBB.  Because businesses know that their actions are being watched and recorded by the BBB they are more careful how they treat their customers.  CRG Network wants government to be on their best behavior as well.

The BBB allows consumers to not only file complaints but also review similar complaints filed by others over a period of years.  The BGB provides the same capabilities in the arena of government.  Over time,  politicians, bureaucrats, and government agencies will compile a track record of performance with the citizens they come in contact with.  The big difference is, now everyone will know which people and institutions continue to disappoint their "customers" . . . and the BGB database remembers the details forever!  Gone are the days when politicians can bank on the electorate forgetting what happened in the past at the next election.

Don't let your complaints fall into a "black hole".  Make a difference.  Help yourself and other citizens hold government accountable.  Use the CRG Network Better Government Bureau to your advantage.

Over time, we believe some definite trends will be established.  More importantly, you can be assured government will take notice once they understand there are thousands of eyes watching!