Hoyer Unveils Improved Web Site; Invites 5th District Residents to Surf By & Sign-Up for Social Networks
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) unveiled a redesigned website today for Maryland's 5th Congressional District, offering new features to enhance access to information and services and facilitate greater communication with constituents. The website was announced through an email message sent to more than 100,000 constituents inviting them to visit, sign up for Rep. Hoyer's e-newsletter, The Hoyer Herald, and follow him on social networking sites Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
"As your Representative in Congress, one of my most important duties is listening to your views on the issues of the day, as well as discussing matters of importance with you and providing updates on happenings in Congress," Hoyer said in the email to constituents. "I am writing today to make sure that you know about all the ways that we can communicate."
New features to the website include a flash spotlight section highlighting key issues, an expanded search function making it easier to find what you are looking for, quick links to online communication tools and social-networking profiles, and an overall streamlined design to enhance access to information. Like the previous website, there is a also comprehensive menu of constituent services, issue pages, press releases and statements, and multimedia.
In addition to visiting the new site, Rep. Hoyer is also promoting a variety of social networking tools as a means for constituents to receive the latest information and to communicate with Rep. Hoyer about issues relevant to Maryland's 5th District and Congress. The outreach is part of Rep. Hoyer's continuing effort to maximize use of new technology to enhance constituent communications. Since establishing profiles on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, he has maintained a significant presence, contributing regular updates and responding to questions and comments.
"I invite you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, which are a great way for us to communicate. I'll share substantive news and information about what's happening on Capitol Hill and in Maryland's 5th District," Rep. Hoyer said. "In return, you can have your voice heard by leaving comments and discussing the issues with me and your neighbors."
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Rep. Hoyer has also served as a leader in Congress in encouraging other representatives to adopt new technology, heavily promoting the telephone town hall as an effective way to communicate with thousands of people, and this month running a social media competition among House Democrats to encourage greater use of online communications tools.
"The internet provides almost limitless opportunities to exchange information and connect with others," continued Hoyer. "Our democracy is strengthened when we take advantage of these resources to communicate with one another, and that is why I have made these tools available and have strongly encouraged others to do the same."
To follow Rep. Hoyer on his social networks, click "Like" on my Facebook page, "Follow" on my Twitter page, and "Subscribe" on my YouTube page.