One of the very neat things about blogging is that it allows everyone to get involved. Perfect example: Aaron posted an entry about a zoning issue in his neighborhood, and posed a question to Dona Stebbins, who is a Mayoral candidate and was involved in the zoning decision several years ago. Dona is ahead of the curve, relative to most politicians: she reads blogs, and she understands that blogs represent another avenue to stay current with issues at the truly “grassroots” level. Bottom line: Aaron posed a question for all to see, and Dona replied in kind, explaining the zoning decision and giving some background.
Aaron’s post & Dona’s replies will not be seen by the same number of citizens who read the Tribune, but it is immediate, posted for all to see, and preserved for others to read and comment on at will. Good job, Aaron & Dona!
[...] ?
Posted on Fri, September 23, 2005, @ 1:58 pm
Continuing with the entry below, about Mayoral candidate Dona Stebbins replying directly to a voter’s question on a blog, con [...]
David;
Thanks for the kind words. I just happened to be a bit surprised by the sign when I walked by the house this morning.
To her immense credit, Dona Stebbins entered the fray, answered my question and explained her position. This is the kind of electoral accountability we need in our local government.
All I did was sound off on an issue that irked me, as I am wont to do. The thanks really go to Dona Stebbins for making herself available to the people in Great Falls. Such action helps the legitimacy of this kind of a forum.
[...] Originally posted September 23: Continuing with the entry below, about Mayoral candidate Dona Stebbins replying directly to a voter’s question on a blog, consider this: KQDI 1450AM is sponsoring a “Citizen’s Forum” on their website: Here’s your chance to ask the candidates the questions YOU want answered! Newstalk1450 is sponsoring a Citizen’s Forum for the 2005 Great Falls City Elections, and we need your questions. Send us the questions you want answered — the questions that could very well decide your vote. We know you’re informed and concerned, so let us know what to ask the folks who want to lead you. We’ll take questions (via e-mail) from our listeners until Sunday, Oct 23. Then we’ll review submissions and choose three questions to submit to all candidates. The questions will be posted right here on Oct 25. The candidate responses will be posted by November 2nd. [...]