Mayor Kimberley Driscoll has been committed to open government since first taking Office. In addition to soliciting residents to fill the vacancies on the many boards and commissions within the City, the Mayor contracted with Virtual Town Hall to bring a more user friendly and informative website to the citizens of Salem and its visitors.
In doing so, online posting of City information has come full swing over the past couple of years. Many of Salem's employees can now access the website to post general information about each department, including news, meeting agendas and minutes, budget information and information relative to boards and commissions, to name just a few of the improvements.
Since coming online with its new and improved website, the City of Salem has been recognized by Common Cause, for the past three years with its E-Government Award. Of the 351 communities in Massachusetts, only 117 communities received this recognition in 2009. This award recognizes individual cities and towns in Massachusetts which post the following pertinent information:
Governing Body's Agenda General By-Laws/Ordinances
Governing Body's Minutes Town Warrant Articles (if applicable)
City/Town Budget Town Meeting Results (if applicable)
In addition, of the 117 communites recognized this year, Salem joined 48 other communities in being recognized with the E-Government Award With Distinction. This further recognizes community websites which post the following pertinent information:
Zoning By-Laws
City Charter
Community/Meeting Calendar
School Committee Agenda and Minutes
Agendas and Minutes of at least one other Committee
This achievement is recognized annually at the Massachusetts State House during "Sunshine Week" when media outlets throughout the country focus on issues and ideas for open government.
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