Here is a link to a story that ran in American City and County about city managers who are using blogs to communicate with residents. I know that it is not necessarily germane to this week's readings; however, it is a good example of the burgeoning merger of technology and public affairs.
http://americancityandcounty.com/admin/blog_city_pomeranz_wyld/
Brandi
It is great to see a city manager that values the input of his citizens that much. Pomeranz not only instituted the blog, but clearly engages his citizens on many levels. It is a great example of democracy in the 21st century. Although most people are too busy to attend public meetings to obtain information and provide input, a blog almost affords citizens the same level of participation as one that attends all public meetings. Being able to obtain that level of information can only increase the probability that citizens approve of the work that Pomeranz is doing since he can either implement all suggestions or explain why they may not be the best idea.
Matt McQuade
Not to mention that by engaging his citizens on a more informal level, Pomeranz is actively breaking down those barriers between city officials and city residents. Often times, residents may feel as if their opinion will never be heard by someone at his level, but with this communication mechanism, they are directly linked to him. Another positive about Pomeranz creating this blog is that he is illustrating that government doesn't have to be "behind the times" as it relates to communications...which may result in more interaction with younger residents, such as those in their 20s.
G. Feldmann, 2/4/08
I am a little skeptical about city managers using blogs to communicate with residents. I understand it’s keeping up with the times and reaching out and engaging people, however I wonder how long it will be before the situation gets out of hand as more important issues get talked about and debated. Although that is probably not an issue currently as there aren’t significant number of responses to city managers’ blogs. I checked out Pomeranz’s blog and also found several others through Google where responses and comments by citizens are minimal (probably they are not well publicized?) I clearly understand that it could be a very useful tool for both citizens and managers to hear and be heard, but I still worry about City managers being able to keep up with it.
City managers are also concerned that it might become a venue for citizens to raise not so important issues and ask for small requests.
Darshana, 2/5/08
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