Hyper-local bloggers reshaping civic politics in US

by Actual News Geezer | July 24, 2007 at 08:46 am

396 views | 0 Recommendations | 0 comments

The LA Times reporter Jonathan Abrams posts a story today about the 'ubiquity' of local bloggers who will soon "have a major influence in local politics and policymaking', he writes. Romenesko pointed me to this article and while it only confirms a process many have taken note of, it does have me thinking about the role of citizen observers and citizen commentators.

And the role of citizen political surveillors (yes, there is no such word). We're fast coming upon the 2008 elections in the US and there is no doubt it will mark a watershed for the impact of social networks on the most important political process on the planet.

It may only be a matter of time before bloggers start to have a major influence in local politics and policymaking.

"It's inexpensive, and my guess is there are a lot of people who find it fun," said Matthew Spitzer, former USC Law School dean.

"There have always been citizens who love to go to city council meetings and see what's going on. Putting it on a blog makes it a lot easier and it increases accessibility to 24/7."

In Grand Terrace, the recall effort fell about 500 signatures short of the 1,506 needed to trigger the election. A citizen-driven group, buoyed by the blog, collected signatures at a Stater Bros. market and mailed petitions to residents.

"For years the city of Grand Terrace tried to keep residents in the dark," said resident Jo Springfield, a strong supporter of the recall effort. "The blog enlightened many residents to start asking questions and going to meetings."