Walter Denton, O'Fallon's City Administrator doesn't underestimate the amount of communication needed to make democracy work. While the City regularly communicates through news releases, the Mayor's Column, Cable Channel 10, the City Quarterly newsletter, public meetings, letters, community presentations, and the city's website, Mr. Denton felt that a blog would serve as another communication tool. In the fall 2005 he launched his blog via the City of O'Fallon's website which is hosted by Virtual Town Hall.
The blog is designed to: provide informal conversation on how city government operates; provide a more in-depth understanding on the role of the city administrator; highlight hard-working City employees and describe why they do what they do; and provide discussion on the current issues facing the City that may not be getting attention in the media.
Residents have the opportunity to sign up to the blog distribution list which sends them an email message each time a blog entry is posted. The list continues to grow in subscribers, many of which have expressed their appreciation for the additional communication. Newspaper reporters have found the blog particularly helpful when composing their articles and have also expressed their appreciation. When reporters can find the information they are seeking via the City's website, the calls that come into City Hall are drastically reduced, freeing employees to accomplish other tasks and activities.
When the media and residents have factual information about an issue at their fingertips, everyone has a better understanding of the subject matter and confusion and misunderstanding is greatly reduced. The City Administrator's blog has been a tremendous success in our community and has served as a great communication tool.
Pamala L. Funk
Asst. City Administrator
City of O'Fallon
Visit Walter Denton's blog by clicking HERE
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