My friends at Centre Daily Times have been asking state legislators to dive in – to launch a blog and join the conversation. Well, with this first post friends, I’ve leaped. I’m a now a blogging legislator.
The online community is changing the public debate in so many ways. Bloggers are scooping reporters. Capitol insiders are plotting strategy from the opponent’s latest entry on MySpace or Facebook. Those 24-hour Google Alerts give voters the opportunity to track every public comment that’s found its way to the web. It’s all pretty mind boggling to me, but I’ve come to believe that transparency and access to the people who pay my salary is pretty important.
You’re wondering about the name, “Mile89.com?” There’s an easy answer. So much of what I’ve tried to accomplish in the State Capitol has been focused on the idea that every vote, every regulation, every tax affects the people back home. In my case, the distance between Harrisburg and my front door in Centre County is – 89 miles. I’m hoping to close the distance a bit.
Finally, you need to know that Mile89 is a two-way street. I’ll do my best to give you a straight, plain set of facts about my work in Harrisburg, but in turn, I’m inviting you to agree or disagree. All comments (suitable for public consumption) are welcome.
It’s time to get back to work. If you have a minute, please tell a friend that ‘Kerry has finally taken the plunge!’
All for now,
Kerry