I believe this is a subject Brenda Konkel has touched on in the past. Are Madison Common Council members making themselves and their work accessible via the internet?
Just take a look at the city website for Ald. Tim Bruer, the most senior member of the Council, whose notorious computer illiteracy has been the source of many-a-quip, from him and others. Unsurprisingly, his site includes nothing under "District News," "Initiatives," "Pending and Adopted Legislation," or "Archives."
Council President Lauren Cnare is slightly better. Under "District News" she has an alder update from August 2006. Paul Skidmore is even better his district news consists of a photo of a fire station from 2009.
Of the 15 non-freshman alders, 6 list nothing under "District News." Hence, I am thoroughly impressed that freshman Ald. Sue Ellingson has already updated her district news to include documents relating to the redistricting plan. I might even use one of those for my next post!
The gold medal for electronic accessibility goes to Satya Rhodes-Conway. In addition to district news, she includes an enormous amount of information relating to initiatives she is working on as well as any pertinent legislative documents.
Alds. Shiva Bidar-Sielaff and Marsha Rummel are close seconds. Although my preferred way of finding out what Rummel is thinking is to stop by the Rainbow Book Co-op on W. Gilman St, the vast electronic library she offers on her website is an ideal every member of the Council should strive to achieve.
Follow The Sconz on Twitter or Facebook to get regular updates on city and state politics. Tune in to the radio show everyday between 10-11 a.m. on 1670 AM WTDY. Please send anonymous tips, interview requests or any other comments to jcraver@isthmus.com.
