Now, we're talking. The Poynter Institute, a journalists' think tank in Florida, recently tipped us off to the Web site of Montana Sen. Jon Tester, who posts his daily schedules online so you can see which lobbyists are taking up most of his time. There is even an archive, so you can see if there are trends.
I like. OK, here's an open challenge to all the Valley's officials to do the same. I also appreciate his "Today in the Senate" feature on the side, which really gives you a good explanation of what's going on in his schedule today, so you can respond quickly and by e-mail.
Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, who represents the 20th district of New York, does the same thing by publishing the Sunlight Report.
Here is her schedule for Jan. 27:
Meeting with the Medical Society of the State of New York.
Essex County Congress At Your Corner to hold neighborhood office hours.
Economic Development Roundtable meeting at the Olympic Center.
Briefing on ORDA's facilities and priorities.
Meeting with Essex County Supervisors.
This is a whole lot meatier and more relevant than the pandering too many officials do on their Web sites .
I agree-- it's an excellent idea. We need to reward the politicians who take these bold steps, exposing themselves to criticism.
He had me with 'organic farmer'...this can help illuminate the accual machinations behind the rhetoric,I wonder though, if the "millionaires club" will rein in this maverick,John Testor.