"Twittering" at the Statehouse

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2008

For more information, contact:
Rep. Mike Burgess
785/296-7653
Mike.Burgess@house.ks.gov
 
REP. BURGESS: “TWITTERING” AT THE STATEHOUSE

Topeka – When Kansas State Representatives Mike Burgess (R-Topeka) wants his constituents to know just how he spends his days at the Statehouse, he sends them a “Tweet”.

That’s not a song or sound made by a bird but is a high-tech way of keeping in contact with those he represents.

“Most Kansans I represent are very busy with their families and jobs and don’t have much time to closely follow what is happening at the Statehouse. 

Twittering allows me to send out short updates on my legislative activities so they know what I’m doing on their behalf,” Rep. Burgess said.

Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service that sends text-based messages.  The brief updates sent by Rep. Burgess are displayed on his website www.mikeburgess.org and his Facebook page and then delivered to those who have signed up to receive them.  

“I’ve gotten great response from my constituents.  Many are surprised by the workload the legislature handles on a day to day basis,” Burgess said.
Rep. Burgess also uses the other traditional methods to communicate to constituents including 8 to 10 town hall meetings, email newsletters, constituent survey, newspaper columns and attending many community events.

You can sign up to receive Rep. Burgess’ tweets by going to www.twitter.com/mburgess.

-30-

Rep. Burgess serves north and west Shawnee County and southern Wabaunsee County, including Alma, Eskridge, Harveyville, Rossville, Silver Lake, Willard and a little bit of Topeka.