The Tribune recently published an article that discussed how candidates for Columbia, MO’s mayor and city council elections plan to use Twitter and other social media in their campaign. I will be using blogs, Twitter and Facebook in my campaign for a few reasons.

The internet allows representatives to communicate with citizens in a way that has never been possible. While I will be going door to door, making myself available during the day to meet with people personally, and other traditional campaign techniques; social media and the internet allow me to be available to anyone, anywhere, at any time. I am using these tools to open myself up and be as available as possible for anyone that has a question, comment, concern about Columbia, or just wants to hear what I have to say.

Using social media will also allow me to engage with all of Columbia. Traditonally, because of time limitations, candidates focus all of their attention on the ward that can vote for them. I am personally engaging with the 3rd ward, but a council person represents all of Columbia. Even if someone can’t vote for a candidate the city council makes decisions that affect every Columbia citizen. Therefore I feel it is important to listen to the entire community as well as my ward. Twitter, Facebook and my blog will help me hear what everyone in Columbia is saying, not just a select few.

I have never used any of these tools prior to my campaign but I recognize how many people have a desire to communicate this way. It takes time to learn and perfect these new ways to communicate so I appreciate any advice or feedback on how I’m doing. Representing a community means having a willingness to listen to others, learn new things and adapt to new ways of doing things, even if it involves time. I have time to listen, I have time to learn, I have time for Columbia.