Recent past experience has taught us that many problems can be avoided by educating and informing residents and encouraging input before the fact…rather than after it’s too late.
Immediately following the election in 2009, I set out to revamp the city’s website in time for the swearing in on January 1st, 2010. Focused on the Board of Aldermen section, our goal was the goal of making it easier and faster for over 50,000 users each month to find what they’re looking for. We succeeded in accomplishing that goal. On time. At zero cost to the city. Information is powerful and as a resident or business (or potential business) of the city, you should be able to find most – if not all – of the information you’re seeking on line…at your fingertips…instantly.
We must also continue to rebuild trust and faith in City Hall and government itself. It’s a process that will take some time and I am committed to that goal. In just 16 months in office, I have worked hard to be visible, accessible, responsive, and effective.
Every day, I make the effort to inform constituents across the city via my constituent newsletter, my attendance at most city event, office hours at the Senior Center, group meetings, and one on one meetings with any constituent who has a particular topic they’d like to discuss.
Via my award-winning Newton Newsmakers program on NewTV, I’m committed to providing residents with information and the opportunity to hear directly from key decision makers who will have an impact on our community for decades. Most importantly, I facilitate public forums and opportunities for citizen input on a wide range of venues.
Your support of Alderman Shapiro’s re-election to the Board of Aldermen means you’ll have more openness, more responsiveness, more opportunity for your input, and more access to information from city hall…not less.
Click here to hear Alderman Shapiro talking about overrides, being business-friendly, snow shoveling, and more with local radio station WNTN.
