A New Medium for Interaction & Input

by: Congressman Frank Pallone

Thu Apr 01, 2010 at 01:19:54 PM EDT

Cross Posted on Daily Kos

Going back to my time as a Long Branch City Councilman, I've always believed it was important to give my constituents a direct line to communicate their questions, concerns, and thoughts.  Technology is revolutionizing how we interact, and as the Congressman for New Jersey's 6th District, I want to use these new tools to hear directly from you.

The internet opens up new opportunities to solicit input, debate policy proposals, and raise new ideas.  My Twitter Town Hall on Health Care was born out of that sentiment.  Now I want to take things one step further by introducing a new way for me to interact with my constituents, Blue Jersey readers, and progressive activists.  Using the Google Moderator application and YouTube, I want to hear directly from you, and at the end of each month I'll make a web video directly answering your questions.

Google Moderator allows me to get input directly from you so that everyone's voice can be heard.  If you happen to like a particular question or suggestion, you can vote for it so it rises to the top and ensure that I address the issue. YouTube offers a different medium than Facebook or Twitter.  It allows me to speak directly to you and inform you on the issues facing the 6th Congressional District, New Jersey, and our nation.  

The issues will change from month-to-month.  I might be seeking input on questions you want asked to a witness testifying in front of my Health Subcommittee.  You could want updates on the financial regulation reform and what it will mean to consumers, or what I know about the progress being made in Afghanistan.  Some months I'll ask specifically about your thoughts or questions on a certain topic; other months it will be open-ended.  

The end game to this new idea for interaction is to create a more open, transparent dialogue.  As a Congressman I serve the people, and want to hear your input.  My fight against the special interests and lobbyists is an everyday battle and I want to make sure my most ardent supporters - progressives - have a vehicle to give me their opinions and thoughts.  I hope I can count on your participation, and as always, you can follow my tweets @FrankPallone and my updates on Facebook.