Now, Chicagoans — or anybody else for that matter — can take a similar approach when looking for the whereabouts of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
A Google Map launched by Emanuel’s office plots locations where the mayor has been. Available on the city of Chicago government website, the City Hall in Your Community map lets users click on marked locations, which brings up with a photo of the mayor as well as information about when he was at that location and why.
For example, one of the map’s pin points is Carl Schurz High School. The caption said the mayor visited the school to discuss the importance of giving Chicago’s schoolchildren more time in the classroom and a longer school day.
Below the map is a suggestion box so citizens can provide recommendations on what the city should address and where the mayor and the city’s other leaders should go within the community.
“This tool is another way we are increasing accountability and transparency across city government — Chicagoans can literally see what their government is doing and where,” said Social Media Director Kevin Hauswirth in a statement. Government Technology’s call to the mayor’s office wasn’t immediately returned Tuesday. “Whether it’s at neighborhood fest or on Facebook, the mayor is committed to having a dialog with the people of this city.”
While mayor’s staff touts the site as an innovative effort, at least one local pundit has complained that the map feature belongs on a campaign website rather than a government portal.
