1) The document discusses how open data and smart data can empower citizens and neighborhoods by giving them information to hold local governments accountable for issues like broken street lights and arson. 2) It provides examples of how open data on street light repair times and abandoned cars could have helped the author address problems in their neighborhood in 2002. 3) The author argues that local governments should embrace open data and empower citizens by giving them the information they need to help deliver public services.