For Immediate Release

 October 1st, 2009

Press contact:

Etminan seeks to bring open and transparent government

Mt Pleasant, SC- Mt Pleasant Town Council Candidate Paiam Etminan announced today his views to bring further transparent and open government to the residents of Mount Pleasant.

Etminan believes that Mount Pleasant needs to collaborate with state collegiate research institutions and information technology corporations, make the appropriate expenditures, and access technology that will bring town council and committee meetings to a live feed over the internet, with an option to download.

“We need to log and record a virtual library,” said Etminan. “We have so much technology that can be used to help citizens become more informed of the actions and decisions of the council and committees.”

Etminan’s belief is that the new information infrastructure should be also accessible not only from the internet, but citizens would be able to contact town officials in person, by phone, or fax for copies at a small fee. He also said Mount Pleasant would benefit from the addition of the new information infrastructure system and a 72 hour advance noticing of meeting creations or changes. He believes pending the extent of collaboration and development, Mount Pleasant would be a role model for other municipalities and counties across South Carolina and nation in transparency and openness to its citizens.

 “We also need to have a corresponding system that brings in public input on various issues. Not everybody can attend the meetings at the times they are set at, but we know many citizens want their voices heard on the issues,” he said.  

“In addition to utilizing a new information infrastructure system, we could set a new standard by mandating any new meetings or meeting changes must be set-up with 72 hours advance notice,” said Etminan. “The citizens have a right to be properly informed.” The information of the meeting changes could be accessed by phone hotline, internet website, or email distribution, as well as traditional standards of publication of notice.

“The discussion matters of the Town of Mount Pleasant from the council and committee members are suppose to be public knowledge, open or closed door.” said Joshua Giordano-Silliman, campaign manager.

“Currently researching the minutes on the internet is very time consuming,” said Campaign Advisor Corinne Wooley.

“I can see how it is difficult for working families to get a great understanding of what is going on with the committees and council,” said resident Paul Wadsworth.

“Many generations have embraced using the internet as means for getting local information, as much as watching television or reading the newspaper,” said resident Carmela Jackson .

Contact Information:

Paiam Etminan for Mt Pleasant Town Council

3267 Seaborn Dr

Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

843-388-2323 / 516-965-4899

www.Paiam4towncouncil.com

etminan@comcast.net / giordanosilliman@yahoo.com

Paiam Etminan For Mount Pleasant Town Council (Facebook Group)