Weekly Column: Technology Makes Contact Easier

Press Release

California has 53. Texas has 32. New York has 29. South Dakota only has one -- Member of the U.S. House of Representatives that is. The term they use for this out in Washington, DC is an "At-Large" congressional district. And while covering the 75,884 square miles of South Dakota can seem like a very "large" task at times, I take my job very seriously in representing all South Dakotans, not just those who voted for me in the last election.

In order to effectively represent our state, I must know what people are thinking on any given issue at any given time. Besides seeing my family, spending time listening to South Dakotans is the top reason why I make getting home to South Dakota every weekend a priority. Nothing beats sitting in on a coffee club group, visiting a school or hosting a townhall to hear what is really on people's minds.

Thankfully, some new technologies are making staying connected even easier. Websites and email are common place in today's world. I try to make it as easy as possible for you to find what you need on my website, whether it my position on issues, information on how my office can help you with problems you might be having with a department of the federal government, or help from my staff with arranging tours during your trip to Washington, DC. Beyond the standard website presence, my office has also created Facebook and Twitter accounts, not only to keep you informed on what I am doing, but also to get immediate feedback and host a forum for debates on the issues. If you haven't seen it, log on and weigh in. Some of the debates on Facebook can get quite lively.

Social media is only part of the equation. I am also hosting regular telephone townhall meetings. If you haven't received a call from me inviting you to a live townhall via phone, chances are good you will soon. I know that most South Dakotans keep up with the issues and have thoughts and opinions, but what we all lack is enough time in the day to do everything we would like to accomplish. That is why telephone townhalls are so useful. From the comfort of your own living room or kitchen, you can share with me what is on your mind. There is no need to round up the kids and come out to an event in your area or book a trip all the way out to Washington, DC to talk with your U.S. Representative. I can come to you via telephone.

These new technologies will never take the place of old-fashioned, face-to-face meetings - nor should they. They are, however, a useful supplement. South Dakotans are taking advantage of new technologies in many other areas whether it is installing a GPS unit on your tractor for extremely accurate planting or starting an online business from your basement. It only makes sense that your U.S. Representative makes use of new technologies as well. Hopefully that means we will be able to connect soon via telephone, email, Facebook, or even tweet.

Source