Several years ago, Bridgeport City Manager Kim Haws said the city would be doing whatever it could to try to find multiple ways to get information out to the public. Since that time, currently headed up on many fronts by City Clerk Andrea Kerr, the city is doing just that.

 

Along with Nixle that sends various key information to those that sign up for it, the city utilizes its relationship with Connect-Bridgeport, the City of Bridgeport’s Web site and also manages several Facebook pages. Until recently, Facebook was the city’s sole venture that it managed into the world social media.

 

“After taking a recent social media class where it emphasized how social media is an excellent tool to get information out to the public, I realized that Facebook was the only platform the city was using,” said Kerr. “We’re aware that the Facebook platform doesn’t reach everyone on social media.”

 

Now, Facebook has a social media partner with a city account. Last week, the City of Bridgeport became the latest addition to Twitter.

 

“We hope to get followers there as well,” said Kerr. “We’re at about 40 in the early going, but hope to see that number grow.”

 

For those that don’t do Facebook or for those who utilize multiple facets of social media, you can follow Bridgeport by going to @bridgeportwvgov. It will be slightly different in how it’s managed from the city’s Facebook pages.

 

“The city maintains multiple Facebook pages from the city’s own to Parks and Recreation, the Police Department, Emergency Services and others,” said Kerr. “With the Twitter account, every department will be under the same account that you can access by the (above) account.”

 

Kerr said other social media forays will be considered, but Twitter is the latest. With things changing on how the public gathers information constantly, the city will continue to look at ways to get the information to the public – including standard ways it has in the past.

 

“Getting the information out is important to Mr. Haws and to City Council,” said Kerr. “We’ll continue to try and provide as many avenues as possible so that everyone has a chance to get the information they need.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the city's Twitter page, while City Clerk Andrea Kerr is shown below.