What do YOU say?

I was interested to hear this morning that the single most respected and approved tool of social media is Wikipedia, an on-line collaborative encyclopedia. This finding made me think about the way we get information and what sorts of information we have come to trust.

It is increasingly difficult to judge the objectivity of our news. We are surrounded by advertisements and political messages that are backed by commercial or political interests that profit when we act upon their message or advice.

As I campaign and look forward to the experience of being an elected representative, I see that I as a legislator will have similar information options.

There are lobbyists on Capitol Hill, paid to "educate" the policy makers, hired by corporations or special interest groups to line up support for their clients. They have a role but I do not forget that they are equivalent to commercial advertising.

I am more interested in turning to the people of my legislative district to be my "lobbyists". Among the voters here are experts in many fields of public policy, people who are passionate about the environment, public transportation, law enforcement, public health, energy, education, or many other topics. It may be because of their professions, their leisure interests, or because their families are particularly impacted by the policies of the state.

It is for this reason that I am creating my own "policy team". You are welcome to join this team. On my campaign website is a page where people can enter their names, contact information, and the area of public policy that they wish to be consulted on. It is my version of the Wikipedia.

Technology gives us the ability to broaden democracy and bring more voices to the table. Policy that is crafted by collaboration is more likely to address the needs and concerns of the people. I hope that you will consider joining the policy team and that this use of the internet will enhance my ability to be an effective representative.