CRANBURY: Using the Web to improve communication

By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
   CRANBURY — Township officials are looking to improve communication with residents via the World Wide Web.
   Mayor Pari Stave announced at Monday’s Township Committee meeting that she and other officials had been working closely with a webmaster to increase the capabilities of the township’s official Web site.
   ”There’s been a lot of new technologies that we can take advantage of without adding cost,” Mayor Stave said.
   One of the existing functions of the site is to provide township alerts — e-mails that keep residents abreast of any changes or current news.
   But additions are on their way, as the Web site could soon offer a letter template to aid residents with any online letter-writing campaigns, Mayor Stave said.
   In their efforts to more easily and accurately get residents’ feedback, officials are also looking to add surveys and polls to the site, she said.
   Mayor Stave said residents can also expect officials to begin posting ordinances and resolutions from the township’s various boards and committees.
   But despite the site’s impending changes, efforts to increase online communication are only as strong as the number of residents who choose to participate.
   As of Monday, township officials said, only 229 residents had signed up for online township alerts.
   ”We’re urging people to sign up to get alerts,” Mayor Stave said. “Try to urge everyone you know to sign up.”
   To sign up for alerts go to the Cranbury Township Web site at www.cranburytownship.org, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on the link that says “Register Here for Online Updates.”