W. Bloomfield OK’s policy for website, social media use

An article by Michael Shelton    No Comments

The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees has approved a content policy for the township’s website and various other sites.

Under the new township policy, the township’s website and various media sites such as Facebook and Twitter would be used for providing emergency information as quickly as possible, information about basic township services, and upcoming events related to township government.

The websites would also be used for providing information about West Bloomfield Township to the widest possible audience, engaging in politically neutral township-related conversation with the public, and acting as a historical repository of township government information.

Responsibility for enforcing the policy will fall on the township supervisor, clerk and treasurer.

Suggestions for information to be posted can be made to the Information Technology Department by the supervisor, clerk, treasurer, township trustees and authorized employees.

The policy also prohibits articles and comments containing support of or opposition to political campaigns or ballot measures; personal attacks on elected officials, employees, residents or businesses; and content that promotes, fosters or perpetuates discrimination.

Also prohibited are profane language or content, sexual content or links to it, solicitations of commerce, conduct or encouragement of illegal activity, and information that may compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems.

The township website will not provide external links to political organizations or campaigns, commercial enterprises not approved by the board, or general links to media sites.

The board’s action came at its Monday, July 18 meeting.