The new tranportation blog got a little local press on Thanksgiving day. Following is the text of a November 27 article in the
Peninsula Daily News, Jefferson County edition. Unfortunately, there is no direct link available on the
PDN website.
November 27, 2008
Transportation blog goes live
By JEFF CHEW
PORT TOWNSEND - Online blogs are emerging as a new way to connect Jefferson County staffers with residents. While the first county blog spot for Parks and Recreation was launched in summer 2007, the latest innovation comes from the transportation planning program, said Josh Peters, the county's principal transportation planner.
The blog is at visionarytransport.blogspot.com.
"What I am looking for is a conversational Web site," said Peters, who helped develop the blog and monitors the comments.
He will add his comments or answers to inquiries -- whichever way the transportation winds blow.
"I want to keep it free and loose. I want all kinds of ideas on the table. No idea is "out there," Peters said.
Although present transportation issues are important, Peters said he hopes to host ongoing conversation that will look into the future of county transportation some 30 years.
"This is just taking advantage of available technology."
The direction of dialogue largely depends on where comments take it, he said.
Jefferson County Public Works will provide links to information and conversations happening in the world at large.
The blog has posted information about the latest on the corridor plan for state highways 19 and 20 and Jefferson Transit's effort to prioritize commuter trips with a new service plan.
Next from Public Works is a solid waste Web site to soon be launched with assistance from the Washington State University Extension office in Port Hadlock.
A "wikipedia" entry on the county Web is also on the table.
That would spell out the county's draft proposals and would be intended to inform staff and the three county commissioners.
Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia with millions of articles contributed corroboratively using Wiki software.
"Dialog that's good for us is good for all," Peters said.
Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew call be reached at 360 385-2335 or at jeff chew@peninsuladailynews com
Photo caption:
Josh Peters, Jefferson County's principal transportation planner, shows off the county's new transportation blog, a place where the public can communicate directly with county staff on transportation issues.
