Republican City Council candidate Bob Merrick sent this out today:
It is unfortunate that a recent FOI complaint may distract us from downtown revitalization, but we should take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that we comply with both the letter and spirit of the law.
Better communication is one of my campaign focus points. The following is an excerpt from my campaign website www.bobforbristol.com:
We need to do a better job providing important information to our people. In an age where 70% of Americans use the internet, postings of all city meetings and changes should be readily available to the people of Bristol.
We need a better calendar. People need to know what events and activities are taking place in the city.
Better communication doesn’t have to be expensive. Bandwidth is becoming less expensive all the time and there are many available Content Management Systems (CMS) that would allow the posting of meetings, minutes, and other important information to be done in a quick, easy, and inexpensive manner. Residents could subscribe to email distribution lists of meetings and events that they may be interested in attending.
In my door-to-door visits with the residents of the 3rd District I have found that a large number of people do not have a computer or internet access. There are several voice-recorded bulletin board systems available where people could call in and find out about important meeting and event changes. Again these options are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
We need open government and communication to maintain the trust and support of the people. Bristol is one of the largest cities in the state. Bristol should be a leader in utilizing these technologies to inform and connect with all its residents.
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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
2 comments:
Isn't it odd that Mr Merrick is jumping on the bandwagon that Steve Colins started several days ago about postings of meetings and minutes?
Mr Merrick is calling for better communication, but doesn't list anything fresh and new to that discussion that Steve Colins has not already mentioned.
I do have one question though, Mr. Merrick states that during his tour of the 3rd district that he found that a large number of people to be without computer or internet access. Could Mr. Merrick quantify this statement? As that statement stands now, its a rather broad brush to paint of the 3rd district in terms of 21st Century Communication.
Bob's campaign website, including references to postings of meetings and minutes, was launched on or before July 22, 2007.
I know because Bob's a friend, and on July 22, I posted something about his site on my blog(bristolafterdark.blogspot.com).
Steve's post includes an excellent series of recommendations.
However, when it comes to FOI, Bob's been on the bandwagon for some time. Maybe this is just another case of great minds thinking alike.
I also agree with Bob that there is a sizable minority of residents who do not regularly use the internet.
Those people deserve reasonable consideration by city officials when it comes to planning public information programs.
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