Hamiltonius.com

I posted some of these ideas on Topix.com, but I wanted to post them here as well. Had some ideas about solving the recent issue with notifying people during the boil order. I’m really glad the City used the features I built in to the City site to post about the boil order, but there were a lot of people, me included, who didn’t get the info in what I would consider a timely fashion. That made me wonder what we could do to solve this problem. I think we should investigate the costs of using a service like textcaster. This service allows the city to send text messages to people who subscribe when there are things that happen that people need to be made aware of, like the boil order. This service isn’t free, as I said, but another option that is free (well I’d volunteer to set it up, so no cost to the City) is to create a form on the City site for people to subscribe to an email list. This way the city could send out a huge email to all those that have subscribed in the event of another boil order. We could also extend this service to other areas, like parks and rec cancellations etc.

Idea 2:
Why don’t we stream City council meetings over the internet? I know the City has had talks with companies to do this, but with our current budget issues, spending thousands of dollars to make this happen doesn’t seem like a great idea to me! I will volunteer to set this up if you all think it would be beneficial. What if we made an archive of past meetings so you didn’t have to watch live, but could watch whenever you wanted to? Would that make it more appealing? I personally think the more people that see what goes on at these meetings the better it is for the City as a whole.  Would you watch?  Use the comments feature below to let me know what you think about these issues!

Later,
Tim

Please use the comments feature below and let me know what you’re thinking about Richmond.  What do you like, what would you like to see changed?  Let me know!

In the spirit of releasing info to the web first, here’s my press release for tomorrow.

Contact: Timothy Hamilton

Tim@Hamiltonius.com

For Immediate release:

1-15-2010

With a pledge to bring civility, openness, and consensus building to the City Council, Tim Hamilton announces his Candidacy for City Council,  Ward 4.

One of my favorite teachers in High School, Mr. Pointer, once told me, “You have to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”  This is why, even in the current climate of personal attacks, incivility, and rancor, I believe that I must hold true to the courage of my convictions and try to make a difference.

I believe the city has some real and impending challenges looming on the horizon.  That is why I think City affairs should be, and can be dealt with in a civil and non-vindictive manner.  The days of personal attacks and grudges must give way to open and fair dealings with not only the citizens of Richmond, but its employees as well.  The Council must be a place where all are heard.  The Council must be a group who will listen and fairly debate what is best for our City. The Council must deal more with the matters that affect the citizens and children of Richmond, and less with the politics of divisiveness.  Our city deserves this.  Our community should be seen for the great things we have.  The Parks that are getting better almost every day, the recreation department that provides opportunities for our children to learn the benefits of fair play and teamwork, the wonderful free concerts in the park.  These and many more wonderful aspects of our city should be the ones depicted in the media, if elected I will do my best to make sure this is the case.

I want the people of ward 4 to know what they can expect if they give me the opportunity to represent them.  First, I will not now, nor will I ever resort to personal attacks.  I believe the only way to deal with our problems is to form consensus, and build bridges.  This can never be done while attacking someone personally.  I will also never respond to any personal attacks.  I believe to respond to personal attacks is to give them credibility.  I look forward to working with all of the council.  I know it is inevitable that there will be times we disagree, but they will always find me willing to listen to their ideas and give them the respect they deserve as individuals who are also giving of their time and talents to make our City better. I will be available to the people of Ward 4 and do my best to represent them openly, honestly, and in a way they will be proud of

I believe I’m qualified to handle this responsibility. I’ve lived in Richmond for most of my life.  I went to school here. I graduated from high school here.  I’ve lived on East Lexington Street in Ward 4 for almost 8 years.  I’m proud to say my son currently attends Richmond schools. I Graduated from  the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Business and Computer Information Systems.  In my volunteer capacity designing, creating, and maintaining the City website over the last few years I’ve had the opportunity to meet with, and work with, many city officials and become familiar with their roles and responsibilities.

Over the next few weeks I will be developing a platform of ideas and opinions regarding the issues facing our city.  I plan to post this information online at http://Hamiltonius.com.  I hope you will visit and we can start a dialogue about the things you would like to see happen in our community.  I look forward to meeting with you throughout my campaign, and I appreciate your support.

Timothy J. Hamilton