Attending meetings, writing-up laws and hearing complaints from citizens are all things most people would expect from their city councilor.

Yet, Laconia City Councilor Greg Knytych has taken constituency service to a new level.

Knytych began reaching-out to the residents of Laconia through his blog "The Blogging Councilor," in January.

"I see this as the new way for representatives to communicate broad issues to their constituents and anyone else that may be interested," Knytch said.

Knytch also sees his site as an opportunity to reach beyond Laconia and reach people throughout the Lakes Region.

"My immediate audience is the residents of Laconia and that is the main audience I am writing to. The main benefit is the ability to get the message out to the county, state and beyond."

Knytch cited the Belknap County budget has an example of an issue that could affect other towns.

"For instance the Belknap County budget issue that is currently being addressed immediately affects all of the taxpayers and local governments in the county, and may affect towns and residents in other counties around the state."

An Estimator and Quoter for an electrical maintenance company in Concord by day and City Councilor by night, Knytch hopes to maintain the blog even if he leaves office.

"I am looking to continually improve the site and will keep it running even in the event I leave office, though I might have to change the name from The Blogging Councilor to The Blogging Former Councilor. Who knows?"

If you know of other local sites like this, please e-mail me at: brian.lawson@politickernh.com