As use of technology continues to grow in our daily lives, municipalities will need to adapt, which is why towns like Wells, Arundel and Old Orchard Beach are moving in the right direction.
Town councilors in Old Orchard Beach discussed broadening recording of Town Council workshops and other committee meetings, which are shown on local cable access channels. The Council agreed to look into the town’s policy on broadcasting meetings and explore other options that may be available.
Broadcasting meetings on television and on the Internet allows more people to view and participate in local issues and provides transparency for council members. These broadcasts allow people to watch what is happening in council chambers and ask questions or raise concerns about issues of which they might not otherwise be aware.
Online streaming is a great way for towns and cities to connect with more residents ”“ particularly young people.
The Town of Wells is streaming its live and recorded meetings on a trial basis for the month to see if it’s something they would like to offer permanently. On the website Town Hall Streams, people can view meetings live or visit anytime to view a selectmen or planning board meeting they have missed.
Creating a more accessible system for users is a win for municipalities and for residents. People can watch meetings from the convenience of their home and officials can get more information to their residents.
In towns where local cable access has not been utilized, it is time to make the change.
Arundel is contemplating broadcasting public meetings on its local cable channel, which it has not done in the past. As Arundel moves forward, officials should consider streaming online in addition to broadcasting locally on the television.
Finding new ways to reach people will be important in the future as more and more people go online.
Some public entities have kept with ”“ and ahead of ”“ the times by creating Facebook pages, websites, Twitter accounts and increasing cell phone communicate through text messaging.
The Lebanon Rescue Department has a Facebook page, which they use to post updates about weather and road conditions, warnings, and pertinent information to its “fans.” This is the type of communication that reaches wide audiences and encourages participation from community members of all ages.
It is encouraging to see municipalities in York County looking to new and different ways to provide information and communicate with residents. We can only hope there is much more in the future.
Ӣ Ӣ Ӣ
Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
