A while back, I asked if anyone had heard of using local community access cable TV with live telephone call in so residents could participate in municipal meetings and discussions from their own homes. http://www.bluemassg… No one had heard of this and several asked for me to report back. I’m happy to oblige:
The town of Norfolk’s Affordable Housing Committee yesterday hosted a live call in forum to educate voters about the need for and status of affordable housing development in our town. It was a great day for a dial up democracy experiment: cold, windy, driving rain–the usual ingredients that assure hardly anyone shows up for a public meeting other than committee participants. A handful of residents actually did attend in person, but no one who attended had any questions or comments during the open forum. The callers, on the other hand, were very engaged and the phone was barely silent for more than 45 seconds between calls. There were many thoughtful questions and comments offered by callers that in turn prompted informative discussion by committee members, all on live cable TV. It was a great way to bring civic engagement into residents’ living rooms.
Our technology was decidedly low tech–just a microphone next to a telephone handset with a speaker. We had advertised the forum on the town websites, with flyers posted in public locations, and in the local press. I encourage other communities to give it a try, especially for public hearings. If anyone else uses it, please post and let us know your experience.
The fact that, given the ability to call in, citizens did so, is really interesting.
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Could citizens listen in or watch, as well? I could not tell from the above report [was local access cable involved?]
Was there taping and replay, too? I think this is a real way to increase civic engagement – hats off to Norfolk!
With replay having a “Recorded Earlier, Do Not Call In” logo rolling across the bottom of the screen. I think our town will try this again in the future. A lot of great reaction. C’mon Worcester, go for it!!
Here in Worcester we have Live Council and Sub-committee meeting and i think call – in for sub-committee meeting would be great.
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I think it was brought up by councilor in the past year, and not received well, by council, who would be put on the spot, live!
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I think if the constituents do some kind of petition, to show we DO want it, they’d be kind of forced to at least give it a 2nd look.
Great report, I’m passing it on to the Mayor, chair of the Council.