I agree with the author’s observations and sentiment, but from experience have also noticed these dynamics are pretty predictable. In this case, the nay-sayers seem to have been somewhat muted -in public- because the subject of mental health is being discussed. But the old biases are likely still there, steadily simmering under the shadowy surface! Reading the blogs is a sure indication that those preferring the established status quo of their local government doing as little as possible will not be persuaded by even the most reasonable of arguments.

There is probably no single gauge of public opinion that is consistently reliable than who we elect. Our leaders know what got them to where they are, and that if they want to stay in office, they’d better not try to upset the status quo apple cart too much. But, there are some real exceptions to that theory and thank goodness for that!

I heard Kevin Costner on the Jay Leno show the other night express his view that every elected official ought to be elected to only one term, and for the purpose of actually achieving something useful! A radical idea, but think about it! How much time is spent on trivia, pandering, equivocating, running out the clock, not doing homework, demagoguery and campaigning for re-election?
It will surprise no one that I think it is much better to elect people who will actually try to do something positive, and not just talk about it

The Herald blogs are useful only in seeing what the mostly anonymous bloggers say, and they probably are not very representative of the greater public, even though they try hard to create that impression.

There’s a place for anonymity, but putting a name and face to comments is always more persuasive. Musketeers, not Mouseketeers, I say. But that’s just my opinion.

Well put, John. 

For a look at what Greg is referring to, check out the 48 comments - and counting - on Sam Taylor’s blog. Not one real name.  This could be 3 people, each with two or more logins and just having fun.  They may well know who each other are - and probably do.  That is part of the dynamics on how to create a pseudo issue in thin air.  Apparently not one of these people had the decency to speak at the hearing against the mental health tax. 

Go to Sam Taylor’s blog and click on the “Kremen: I’ll make my decision Monday afternoon” posted at about 3 pm on 7/24.

I agree with you John, the biases expressed by these nameless posters will not be overcome. 

An anonymous opinion lacks the foundation provided by the authority or credentials of its proponent.  An anonymous statement of fact, or deduction from the same, is compelling nonetheless. 

My personal experiences, with the Herald and NW Citizen, and particularly the innumerable exchanges with electeds, tells me that our political leaders are more avid readers of this form of public comment than their constituents.

For that reason I thought it appropriate to point to the disconnect between the apparent controversy in the blogosphere and the reality in the council chambers. I would hope they not take too much from the former.

And you are certainly correct, elections are the real test.  If clicking a mouse was all it took, who’d need to doorbell?

I have now taken the time to wade through the 48 comments suggested. As you said, they are mostly inane and self serving, but several do seem to be trying to make useful points.
One conclusion might be that the Internet, for all its warts, also contains the antidotes to its corruption.
What about trying to play the same game that’s being played, but with different rules and objectives?
Just don’t allow these blogs to become receptacles filled only with trash talking and whining, but instead add useful and respectful content to the mix -anonymous or not?
Think that might work?
The anonymous game could become a two-edged sword, but would the effort be worth it?

In truth, the anon commenting has value.  But the way the Herald is doing it allows to much gaming of the system by a few. To their credit, they plan to improve it later this summer - and that could make it of more value to readers. 

What we are trying here at NwCitizen is to provide a place where everyone is identified.  Maybe it will work and maybe not - but it will take time to tell.  I do not think this format is the only “correct” one as there could be several formats that work well. But I think this format is providing a needed and desired service.

We need both.  And we are still inventing this new venue.  13 years ago I started this as one person posting and before technology could provide commenting.  I expected others to do the same - but it was 8 years before another local political site appeared.  Now we are all experimenting with various ways to incorporate commenting into the process.  I am open to ways to do it differently. 

While NwCitizen offers anon registration to anyone who has good reason to need it, no one in a sensitive job position has asked for it.  I am working to put in place a process where a person could register for anon here without my knowing who they are.  Many cannot participate because their jobs or careers would be at risk if they spoke out - regardless of what the Constitution might say.  Anon posting does have its place.

I am very happy that the Herald is taking steps to curb the inane and vulgar comments which it seems to attract no end.  I have hounded them on this subject for several years.  Time will tell if their new policies will improve the quality of the comments.

I do not, personally, post to any sites anonymously, except that some of my comments appear under my blog name, Zonemaven.  The connection between that name and my real name is well known.  Anonymous posters to my blog are allowed but they do have to register and sign in through Blogger.  This tends to suppress the inane and the vulgar except for the most die-hard of individuals.  If the occasional comment with no value to the discussion or with ad hominem attacks does present itself for moderation, I will hit the delete button.

As for what receives attention, I am always astounded by the number of comments that some stories attract.  A recent article on the cost of ammunition has already brought in more than 50 comments on the Herald site.  My letter to the Herald suggesting that rental owners bear the full cost of water meter installation (saving the city several million dollars)garnered only 12 comments and when I presented the council with my idea, they acted as if they never heard it. Stan Snapp reports that the council received over 400 letters and emails on the Cornwall bike lane/parking issue, not exactly a city-wide concern, while the issue of back-door infill in the way of illegal rooming houses is not even a topic the neighborhood associations have touched to any significant degree.

I find nwcitizen to be a very informative site.  The writers are knowledgeable and present facts to support conclusions.  Would other sites do the same.