Communication Committee

The # 1 piece of feedback that the charter commission received was that citizens in this community do not know what is going on in local government. Without a local newspaper, the citizens are finding it difficult to follow what is going on and they are begging for this to be fixed. In response, Salem’s new charter created a Communications Committee.

The Communications Committee began as an idea in response to the frustration that many people did not know about the charter commission public input session. The town was required to notice it in a local newspaper, but very few got the message through the Eagle Tribune. The obvious next question was where should we be putting the information so that people will get the message, and how can we make sure our communications stay up to date with changing trends in technology.

The committee will be tasked with improving how the town gets information out to the community. Communication is a 2 way street and efforts thus far to improve the situation have failed to engage both sides. By creating the committee, we will bring town employees together with elected officials and town citizens to start the conversation.

Why is Communication So Important?

Better communication is vital to growing and strengthening out community. Doing it right can have a significant impact on engagement in local government by increasing transparency, trust, and understanding between local government officials and citizens. When citizens feel that their voices are heard and that their concerns are being addressed, they are more likely to engage with their local government and participate in decision-making processes.

One way that better communication can lead to better engagement is by improving transparency. By providing clear and accessible information about town government actions, policies, and decisions, our elected leaders can demonstrate their commitment to openness and accountability. This can help to build trust and confidence among citizens, making them more likely to engage with their government and participate in civic activities.

In addition to transparency, better communication can also improve understanding between the town and the citizens. By creating opportunities for dialogue and engagement, the town can gain a better understanding of the needs and concerns of Salem residents, and residents can gain a better understanding of how their government operates and makes decisions. This can help to bridge the gap between government and citizens and promote a greater sense of community involvement.

Finally, better communication can also increase citizen participation by providing opportunities for feedback and input. By soliciting feedback from residents on policies, programs, and initiatives, the town can demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and engagement. This can help to foster a sense of ownership and investment among residents, making them more likely to participate in local government and advocate for policies that benefit their community.

Overall, better communication can lead to better engagement in local government by promoting transparency, understanding, and participation. By creating a more open and inclusive government, local officials can foster a sense of trust and partnership with their constituents, leading to greater civic engagement and more effective governance.

How can a committee fix this problem?

Local government committees can improve government function by engaging citizen help in several ways:

Identifying areas for improvement: Citizen involvement can help local government committees identify areas that need improvement or where the community needs more support. Citizens can provide feedback and insights on issues they face, which can help government officials and committees to address these issues more effectively.
Promoting community involvement: Engaging citizens in local government committees can help promote community involvement and increase civic engagement. When citizens are involved in the decision-making process, they feel more invested in their community and more likely to participate in other civic activities.
Providing local expertise: Citizens can provide valuable local expertise to government committees. They may have knowledge or experience in areas such as community development, environmental issues, or economic development, which can help committees make better-informed decisions.
Increasing accountability: Engaging citizens in local government committees can also increase accountability. When citizens are involved in the decision-making process, they are more likely to hold government officials and committees accountable for their actions and decisions.
Encouraging innovation: Citizen involvement can also encourage innovation in local government committees. Citizens may have new and creative ideas for addressing local issues or improving government function, which can help committees think outside the box and develop more effective solutions.

Overall, engaging citizen help can lead to more effective and responsive local government committees. By working together, citizens and town officials can identify and address local issues, increase community involvement, and promote more accountable and innovative governance.