In an era where government communication increasingly happens online, social media platforms like Facebook have become crucial bridges between elected officials, local government, and the residents they serve. They offer a convenient way for townships to share important information from meeting schedules and road closures to public safety alerts and community events.
However, these platforms also often serve as a modern version of the public square, providing a space for residents to react, ask questions, and voice their opinions – including criticism. That’s why the recent decision by Gloucester Township to disable comments on its official Facebook page has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns among residents.
The Timing Makes It More Questionable
With a municipal election approaching later this year, and amid apparent public dissatisfaction concerning canceling GT Day, trying to sell our sewer, township debt, etc., the comment section had become a visible, albeit sometimes critical, channel for resident feedback.
While a government entity is technically allowed to control its communication channels, including the ability to turn off features like comments (as opposed to selectively deleting comments based on viewpoint, which raises different legal issues), the appearance and impact of disabling comments in this context are significant.
Here’s why this decision looks bad for the township and potentially undermines principles of open government:
- Silencing Dissent: When comments are disabled during a period of public criticism and leading up to an election, it inevitably looks like an attempt to stifle dissenting voices and control the narrative. It sends a message that the township is unwilling or afraid to hear negative feedback directly from its constituents in a public forum.
- Reduced Transparency: A live comment section, while sometimes messy, offers a degree of transparency. Residents can see what questions others are asking, what concerns are being raised, and sometimes, how the township (or other residents) respond. Disabling comments removes this layer of visible public interaction and potentially limits the free flow of information and diverse perspectives.
- Eroding Public Trust: Open communication builds trust. Shutting down a direct channel for public input and reaction, especially when that input might be critical, can erode resident trust in the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. It can leave residents feeling unheard and disengaged.
- Limiting Accessibility: For many residents, social media is the easiest and most accessible way to interact with local government and see immediate reactions from the community. Removing the comment function, while other channels like email or phone calls still exist, eliminates a convenient, real-time method of engagement for the online community.
- Missing Valuable Feedback: Even negative comments can contain valuable feedback about resident concerns. While wading through criticism can be challenging, ignoring it entirely by turning off comments means missing potential opportunities to understand public sentiment and address issues (or at least explain the township’s position).
While the township may argue that disabling comments helps manage the page, prevents uncivil discourse, or directs inquiries to more appropriate channels, the timing and context make it difficult to view this action solely as a neutral administrative decision.
In a democratic society, particularly in an election year, open dialogue and the ability for citizens to voice their opinions, even critical ones, are fundamental. The township’s Facebook page, by serving as a primary communication hub, has become a de facto part of the public square. Turning off comments there, especially when the mayor faces public dissatisfaction and reelection, sends an unfortunate message about the value the township places on transparent, two-way communication with its residents.
Residents deserve to have their voices heard, and the township benefits from understanding public sentiment. Disabling comments on the official Facebook page appears to be a step backward for transparency and public engagement in Gloucester Township.
Unfortunately this reminds us of the the new rules at council meetings this year. Public comment is allowed there, but we are not allowed to respond to their comments.
