There's a newspaper article from the "Deseret News" in Utah about a town there trying to achieve Y2K compliance. It's very slickly written--so slickly that it almost sounds like a Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure.

The article breaks new ground in another way, too. This is the very first story I've ever seen that indicates a town is concerned about causing panic among its own residents.

Read this and give me your feedback. I have a hunch this article is the first of many like it during the next few months...

"Payson is ahead on Y2K fixes, technician says -- Officials working on backup plans"

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,30006191,00.html

"The main worry for Payson officials is with embedded chips, which operate the sewer treatment plant, electrical and water systems for the town, said Todd Wilson, city computer and information systems technician. Most of the computers and software in the city offices have been checked to determine which ones will survive the year 2000 bug, known as Y2K.

"The city is also seeking and receiving compliant certificates from manufacturers to know which systems operated by embedded chips will make it through Y2K. But more work needs to be done, Wilson said.

"He said he hasn't spent much time with the sewer systems, but they are next on his list. Wilson was hired three months ago to make sure Payson was Y2K compliant."

also...

""We're doing everything we can. We're taking it very serious and we're ahead of most other cities. But we have to walk a fine line between being prepared and causing a panic," Hall said."

-- Kevin (mixesmusic@worldnet.att.net), January 16, 1999

Answers

Yes, Kevin, I wish Silicon Valley was as open to their Y2K readiness status.

City officials are also concerned with surrounding entities, including federal and state systems, that may affect Payson, even though the city becomes completely Y2K compliant.

Mummm. Arent those other entities just the small towns Y2K gotcha?

Officials are also concerned about residents panicking if key services quit. Just how residents could react is becoming a "worst case scenario" in the minds of local leaders.

To be prepared, or not prepared, that IS the city councils question.

(And to be openly discussing the potential problems with those most likely to be impacted).

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), January 16, 1999.