Seeing new media in a different lens

[Commentary] Why do I put so much emphasis on constituent communications through new technology? As a former educator, I have always believed that involving stakeholders in decision-making yields the best results. This method works in the classroom, and is essential when governing.

The American people are our nation's greatest resource. Empowering the public with information can lead to better public policy. Representing the interests of constituents becomes easier when technology enables elected officials to more easily tap into the knowledge and expertise of the public. I have spent my career in Congress pushing for this and promoting technologies, developed in my Silicon Valley, which can enable citizens to have better access to their representatives, and also leading to increased transparency too. My work in the New Media field has focused on making sure that people are receiving the information they want, and in the format they want, so that they can properly express their opinions and participate in the political process. This includes involving people from all walks of life into my work. Social media has a wonderful way of involving people with varied backgrounds and interests, including communities that have language or cultural barriers. Having innovative programs is critical to this involvement. The American public now expects a new media government ­ something that was hard to imagine even four years ago. They expect their elected officials to be responsive and dynamic. It is our job to be so.