Socially acceptable?

Social media will play a part in the upcoming election.  It has had a role in the the past several cycles. If you are following any of the candidates at this point, you will realize some intend to utilize it as much as possible. That is not a bad thing for them, or for us actually.  

How effective it is will obviously depend on how many "voters" see it, or what buzz is created by a posting. Right now, the trend seems to be the "good will" type of postings.  Again, nothing wrong with that.  Gets the name out there.  Positive stuff.  

You can find out a lot about stuff on social media and on the internet.  One thing people find out, but don't seem to understand is the "Like" concept on Facebook. This is important for a reason.  Call it "guilt by association".  I have actually heard the statement, "I won't vote for them because so and so 'likes' them".  

Folks, if you want to follow a page, the easiest way to do it is to "Like" the page. It is not always an indication of support. Indeed if you look close enough, you will find many people who have "liked" multiple, if not all, candidates' pages.

A like certainly can be a sign of support, but it isn't necessarily so.  Just keep that in mind.

Back to why you do it though, social media.  First, it is free. It also gets viewed by more people than you might imagine.  If some person who "likes" you comments or hits "like" again for a post, or shares it then it spreads to all the "friends" on that persons page (depending on the account set up).  So one can quickly become 100 and more.

Now granted, many people have "friends" from out of town.  But given the time, effort and return, it is a strategy that is very cost effective, does reach out and can get you noticed.

If there is a drawback to it, from a local pundits perspective, I think some also tend to over estimate its real effectiveness. Coupled with other tried and proven methods, it is a plus.  Attempting to completely replace having to do the other methods, not so smart.

Still need a solid group of supporters willing to go some leg work.  Still need the mailings, the door to door, the get out to everything you can and become known. Keep in mind we are talking local here. Also keep in mind though even on the bigger stages, it is recognized that there needs to be true "grass root" outreach.

Four of the five have a "Selectman" candidate's page, or two.  One has jumped on the personal page and is presently utilizing that format.

The other thing to remember about social media and the Internet is pretty important.  "It was on the Internet, it must be true", should by now be the one thing you do not accept at face value. Sadly, too much that is posted, or published via any form of Internet use, contains half-truths, distortions and out right falsehoods.

It is one thing to offer an opinion.  Seemingly everyone has one on the Internet, and just about everyone has no problem expressing their opinions. Opinions do not automatically equal fact.  That most definitely includes the opinions that appear on these pages.

What's the old saying, "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own set of facts".

We will see many opinions. No doubt of that, is there?  Let's hope the same are actually based on fact.

Lots of facts are out that that need to be addressed.  What you are going to do, will be a proposed fact. How you are going to do it, will also be a proposal.

As has been mentioned in the recent past, a bit early to expect too much from so many. Yet you can't help but wonder when and what we will hear/see to distinguish the various members of the pack. You also can't help but wonder which of the various side stories that always accompany an election will surface, and whether we will see a game changer or two.

But ... wouldn't some type of solid proposal be nice?  Everyone running presumably believes they are the best candidate.  If you don't believe that, why are you running? On the open seat election, you can certainly lay back a bit and claim you are as good as any other.  On this one, or any one with a incumbent, you ought to be able to distinguish yourself enough to make it worth a change.

Will the three TGSC members, oops former members, make last May's proposals a center piece of their administration if any one of them is elected? Will they look to seek another vote on the change to the BPW? Will either of the other candidates, or any of the five, take some position to meld the new TA position with the BPW in some fashion?

Budgetary ideas anyone? Please? What about the growing pains the new system will bring?

If SOP is to continue, one has to ask why we have put ourselves through this whole exercise.

All stuff to look forward to, plus much. much more. There will be much more. There are significant issues to be dealt with. Town issues and Candidate issues. The one thing our fair haven is never short of it seems.

Anyway ... back to the future ...

Just took a moment to look at the agenda for the special edition of the Selectmen's meeting for Wednesday.  The board has a discussion piece relative to the town's social media policy. The state as one all ready in -place that some don't seem aware of, but that's for another day.

Also, noted an interesting appointment listed involving two of the five.  With the incumbent sitting, that would make three of the five wouldn't it?

A few other tidbits on the agenda might make it worth a trip to Town Hall for a live viewing.

What is always worth view folks, at least occasionally, is the town website.  Keep at least minimally abreast of what is going on, what is scheduled, even catch up a bit reviewing past agendas and minutes.

Okay, enough Monday morning scrambled thoughts.

Until next time.