Too many politicians including many here in North Little Rock do not acknowledge or admit they read the neighborhood web sites and blog sites.  Some even profess ignorance about the issues raised in these neighborhood sites.  From my experience though, many of these same individuals actually have friends, relatives or their office workers read these sites and let them know what is happening. 

These neighborhood web sites and blogs each typically have hundreds of readers every day. The commenters typically only represent a small fraction of the readers of these sites.  In addition, the local print and television media regularly read these sites for story leads on what is important and happening in the neighborhoods.  Local leaders would be wise to do the same.

This attitude of not acknowledging the neighborhood web sites and blogs is short sighted and sends the wrong message to the voters.  Yes, there often is a lot of anger and frustration on these sites, particularly in the comments.  However, these are the comments and

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opinions of citizens and voters and for every angry or frustrated comment, there are many more constructive and thoughtful comments. 

Ignoring or not acknowledging these neighborhood web sites is like saying you don’t go to the grocery store since there might be people talking negatively about City issues in the line at check out .  No one believes that none of us have to grocery shop.    Or worse yet to ignore these web sites is akin to standing in that same grocery line and ignoring those citizens and voters around you.  That comes off as aloof and not caring. 

So what does a politician or leader do in the grocery store line?  He or she takes that opportunity to shake a few hands and listens to the cares and concerns of the people around him or her.  In other words they interact and become one of the people sharing with them.  This is what a good politician and leader does in the grocery store line and should do on these neighborhood web sites and blogs. 

Right now only Alderman Cary Gaines, Alderwoman Debi Ross and City Clerk Diane Whitbey recognize and acknowledge the importance of this new media of neighborhood web site and blogs. All three participate in these neighborhood webs sites in one form or fashion, even if it is just passing along information or asking for input in the form of comments. 

It is long past time for the Mayor, the rest of the City Council, City leaders and even those candidates running for office to acknowledge and participate with the voters and citizens on their neighborhood web sites and blogs.  If you don’t participate, you risk looking aloof and out of touch. Time to embrace the 21^st century and the digital age that more and more voters are embracing.

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