Salem Offers First Annual Online Resident Survey

As reported in the Boston Globe, the city of Salem is conducting an online survey of its residents. The survey is described by Mayor Kim Driscoll in the Boston Globe as another way to improve communication between city government and the general public. I could not tell from just opening the survey how the city can determine if a person answering it is an actual resident (maybe there is a request for name and address at the end), but allowing multiple ways for citizens to provide input is key to a more open government. Salem has been recognized for at least the past two years by Common Cause Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Campaign for Open Government for posting its key public records online. It appears from all indications that Mayor Driscoll is committed to a more open government in Salem.