The Borough of Point Pleasant’s increased social media presence and website content did not go unnoticed this year.
In its 54th year, the Annual Municipal Public Information Contest – sponsored by the Center for Government Services at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, the New Jersey Municipal Management Association and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities – awarded the Borough of Point Pleasant a special recognition for public information, specifically for its website and social media.
This past Spring, Mayor Robert A. Sabosik and the Borough Council tasked Borough Officials with creating a modern website and increasing their social media presence. The end result was a new website with current information in an easy to use format listing everything from Borough financials, public notices, agendas, minutes and department contacts to an increased presence on Twitter and Facebook, all to keep the public informed on what happens in Borough Hall.
“The importance of a local government’s ability to communicate with its residents cannot be overstated. Your efforts reflect transparency and a respect for the residents’ right to be informed about municipal operations,” wrote Alan Zalkind, Director of the Center for Government Services, in a letter to Borough officials congratulating them.
Mayor Sabosik stated, “Out of the 565 municipalities in New Jersey, to be recognized and in the running to win this prestigious title was an enormous accomplishment and shows how far the Borough has come in just one year. In years past, we wouldn’t even be recognized, in fact, we’ve never been. This goes to show the commitment of this administration and Borough Council in improving our communication with the residents of Point Pleasant.”
Councilman Mike Thulen Jr. further echoed the Mayor’s sentiments. “This shows our serious commitment to effectively communicate with the public. In years past, links on the website would be broken and agendas and minutes where never updated in a timely fashion. A local government cannot be effective without being transparent and open, and we as a Council are committed to that. Whether it be financial information or a community event like our annual Memorial Day ceremony, we want the public to easily be able to find out anything they need to know.”
Councilman Joe Furmato was pleased as well, adding, “We’ve never been recognized before. Being that we’ve only been up and running since the Summer with our new website and increased social media presence, to be recognized at all is impressive. I have no doubt come next year, as we continue to make improvements, we will win this annual contest out right.”
