CRANBURY: Using the Web to improve communication

[Cranbury Press]

Using the Web to improve communication
Thursday, January 29, 2009 12:38 PM EST
By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer

CRANBURY — Township officials are looking to improve communication with residents via the World Wide Web.

Mayor Pari Stave announced at Monday’s Township Committee meeting that she and other officials had been working closely with a webmaster to increase the capabilities of the township’s official Web site.

”There’s been a lot of new technologies that we can take advantage of without adding cost,” Mayor Stave said.

One of the existing functions of the site is to provide township alerts — e-mails that keep residents abreast of any changes or current news.

But additions are on their way, as the Web site could soon offer a letter template to aid residents with any online letter-writing campaigns, Mayor Stave said.
In their efforts to more easily and accurately get residents’ feedback, officials are also looking to add surveys and polls to the site, she said.

Mayor Stave said residents can also expect officials to begin posting ordinances and resolutions from the township’s various boards and committees.

But despite the site’s impending changes, efforts to increase online communication are only as strong as the number of residents who choose to participate.

As of Monday, township officials said, only 229 residents had signed up for online township alerts.

”We’re urging people to sign up to get alerts,” Mayor Stave said. “Try to urge everyone you know to sign up.”

To sign up for alerts go to the Cranbury Township Web site at www.cranburytownship.org, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on the link that says “Register Here for Online Updates.”

http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2009/01/29/cranbury_press/news/doc4981e7a024695764210026.txt

[Guest]

I like the new mayor already!

[Frugality in Cranbury]

That is great that the TC wants to use the internet more. I would like to recommend to the TC to start an intership program that would be FREE to the taxpayers, adds educational experience to a High School or College student, and adds increased value to our township.

For instance, the township newletter will not be printed or sent to the residents this year. It is unfortunate because it filled with valuable township information that I post next to my phone for a reference. Perhaps an intern could work on designing and adding the Township newsletter online. I'm sure there are other areas that they could be extremely helpful to our community.