Laserfiche WebLink
Good Evening. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. <br /> would like to congratulate Mr. Weeden on his recent election. I look forward to you making <br /> a positive contribution to our community and helping to address the critical issues we face and <br /> move them forward to resolution. <br /> come before you to speak about my concerns regarding social media and its usage in the <br /> recent special Selectmen election. Social Media is here to stay and has become an integral <br /> part of our political landscape. Like it or not, it will most likely increase in the years to come. <br /> That being said, several instances in the campaign worry me greatly. <br /> First, the unverified claims made by a town official that one Candidate placed his sign and <br /> removed one for another candidate, is a clear violation of the Mashpee Social Media policy. A <br /> town official can support any candidate they choose, but it is a clear violation for them to <br /> communicate via Social Media false information. The Mashpee Social Media policy states, <br /> "Users must ensure that they are always honest and accurate when posting information or <br /> news, and if they mistake, must correct it quickly. Users may not post any information or <br /> rumors they know to be false about the Town, fellow Town Officials, and or Employees, <br /> constituents, suppliers, vendors, contractors, or any other entities or individuals" (074-5). This <br /> post became an integral part of the campaign, and although the specific post by the town <br /> official was removed, comments made by other individuals referencing removing the signs <br /> were still available the day of the election. No correcting statement was made by the town <br /> official consistent with the Social Media Policy. <br /> The Social Media policy also states the Town Officials and/or Employees must exercise caution <br /> with respect to comments they post in general, and in particular, those concerning the Town, <br /> a Town Department, and/or Town's Officials and/or Employees. (074-3) <br /> Having a Town Official publicly attack a Town Committee Chair and Candidate for Office harms <br /> the Town's reputation. The Social Media policy states that any matter which brings discredit <br /> to Town Officials, and/or Employees has the corresponding effect of reducing public <br />