Blogging council members
Margaret Banks wrote today of newly elected city council members Mike Barber, Trudy Wade and Mary Rakestraw: The three leaders -- along with Councilwoman Sandra Anderson Groat, who was re-elected Tuesday -- ran on platforms of increasing transparency in city government. They argued City Hall should bring controversial issues into the open, even if it means not portraying a unified front for the TV cameras.
Regardless of what you think of Sandy Carmany's politics, she is an impressively transparent and accessible council member. She loses her council seat -- let's pray not her blogging voice -- next month.
So, now, with their vows of transparency, who among the new council will start blogging the talk?
Comments (6)
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As I posted yesterday, this election was a big loss for the many blogging candidates. I wonder what impact the web and blogs had on those who voted? I do hope that our continuing and new Council members will consider blogging. Sandy's blog has been a gift to the community and a model for other leaders. And I do hope she'll continue to share her voice, as well.
Posted on November 8, 2007 2:23 PM
It is the responsibility for all of our elected officials to be as transparent as possible. Any public official who is NOT blogging, is unconnected with their electorate/constituency. For instance, I have been running my blog for almost a year, and I'd figured that some school board member would be blogging by now...none has. I actually just learned that at least five school board members are regular readers of my blog. And I plan to keep it up after I'm victorious next year (notice I didn't say IF I'm victorious).
Posted on November 8, 2007 2:41 PM
Do you really think any of our new council members are that brave? As much as Sandy and I disagreed she was the ONLY council member to ever answer my e-mails that went on for over 2 years and Sandy didn't represent D2 where I live.
The rest are cowards.
Posted on November 8, 2007 4:27 PM
Transparency is definitely the new "cool." I think the newly elected council members are going to have to learn to respond to emails/phone calls. Many voters have gotten used to candidates (some who lost) being open and accessible. If the council decides to go at business as usual and ignores the public they will be in for a big surprise when they are continuously called out for not being responsive or accessible.
I hope everyone lives up to their promises and continues to help Greensboro the great city that it is. If they don’t, I for one plan to spread the news at GreensboroPolitics.com.
Have a good day John.
Posted on November 8, 2007 4:29 PM
Right after I made this comment I received a response to an email from Perkins. At least he has not shut off communication. Read the communication by going to http://greensboropolitics.wordpress.com/2007/11/08/interview-with-robbie-perkins/
Posted on November 8, 2007 5:23 PM
Despite what some may believe, Sandy finally met up with a candidate with (1) name recognition, (2) Money- (more than 4 to 1 advantage) (3) Endorsements from Simkins PAC, Earl Jones etc. (4) Ripe pickins to tap in to the Wray/Rhino crowd, and (5) Wade's willingness to distort and go negative with her advertisements. Sandy will be missed. She always responded even though I live in District 1. It was also great to keep up with what was happening from a council member perspective without the filters of the N&R or the Rhino. It provided me just one more lense into what the truth might be on an issue. It would be great if others pick up where she blazed this trail with her blog, but I think it is doubtful. District 5 voters deserve the representation they will now receive.
Posted on November 8, 2007 5:52 PM