Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack: Carroll Co Govt News broadcasts

http://carroll.granicus.com/ASX.php?view_id=2&clip_id=109&r=e3fcf7e660d396e624194c06708efffb&xp=y&intro=1&sn=carroll.granicus.com&sn=carroll.granicus.com

Chris Swam, media production specialist for Carroll County government has the first of what is billed as a weekly news broadcast up on the Carroll County government web site.

It is very informative, as matter of fact, a fun word that comes to mind, is “effusive.” I’m effusive about the news program and the idea of Carroll County government doing a news broadcast.

You may find it here.

Folks this is cutting edge stuff and Carroll County is to be applauded for doing it.

All too often in the past, news and activities of government was filtered by one or two local media outlets. All too often the emphasis was what went wrong and for those of us who have a good idea of what is going on; we only got part of the story and yes, from time-to-time, government was unfairly emphasized in a negative light. Gee, say it isn’t so.

Information dissemination systems such as this put citizens in touch with “primary source information”. This way we get information straight from the horse’s mouth and we are better informed as a result.

With more information dissemination systems like this, perhaps the local media may be better on their toes when certain news events are spun and slanted.

Covered this week is the swearing-in ceremony of the three Carroll County Commissioners last Monday, December 4th, 2006.

The “dog-chaining ordinance” was discussed by County attorney, Kim Millender.

The commissioners’ quadrennial organizational meeting was covered.

An upcoming public hearing for the county the “10 year Solid Waste Management Plan” was touched upon. The plan must be updated every three years, so that it is consistent with the County’s comprehensive plan...

Certainly one of the bright spots of the newscast was watching Vinnie Legge, bureau chief of solid waste management explain the upcoming the solid waste management plan hearings. Trust me; she is much more attractive than the director of public works, Mike Evans and Chris Swam, the media production specialist.

We would certainly like to see more video footage of Ms. Legge.

“Carroll County Design Expectations” was covered in depth. This was one of former Commissioner Perry Jones’ initiatives and the coverage of the design expectations was quite well done and very informative. Lots of great footage of Carroll County and excellent design ideas.

Also featured was a segment on William Powel being recognized with a “Lifetime Achievement Award,” by the “American Farmland Trust.” This is great for Mr. Powel to get the positive attention he so richly deserves for his 20-years of efforts preserving agricultural land in Carroll County.

I got a chuckle out of the “dictionary” segment of the program in which certain words and terms used frequently in current Carroll County news was covered. It was very informative. I had visions of Mr. Rogers or Big Bird being the anchor for this segment. Actually, county receptionist Kay Church would be excellent for this segment. Colorful, friendly and consummately in the customer service business; she would be a hoot – and quickly extend her legendary cult status.

The last segment was a mention of the “Neighbors in Need” holiday program sponsored by the Human Services Programs of Carroll County. This program helps less fortunate folks enjoy a great Christmas. If you can help with a donation, call: 410-857-2999.

(There is a good article on this in today’s Carroll County Times: “Organization readying shop to help less-fortunate families through holidays,” by Karen Karaszkiewicz, Times Staff Writer. She is a new writer and this is her second article. It is quite informative. Looks like she came to the Times by way of the “The Digital Collegian,” up at Penn State and “The Record Herald” up in Waynesboro, Greencastle and Chambersburg area.)

Hopefully in the future, Carroll County government employees from throughout Carroll County government will be featured in the news broadcasts. Not the department heads or bureau chiefs, but the regular workers who work where the rubber meets the road and make things happen for all of us in Carroll County.

Carroll County is blessed with many great employees and we would like to put a face with the work and hear them explain their duties and share their pride for how well they get things accomplished.

Finally, I would love to see a very brief synopsis of the broadcast in print on the web to accompany each broadcast. In busy weeks, the synopsis could be sampled on the blog to attract attention to the broadcast and then I could hyperlink the reader to the news program.

Kevin

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