Grading Kristin’s Web Site
Lynne and Dick have already commented on the launching of a web site for the candidacy of Kristin Ross-Sitcawich to the City Council.
But on LiL, we have already begun the practice of reviewing the web sites of candidates. On two separate occasions, Lynne reviewed and graded the web sites of the Congressional Candidates in the MA-05 race here and here but now that the Lowell City Council race has begun, we should grade those sites as well.
Well, there a couple of problems. As far as I now, only two CC candidates have web sites so far, Joe Mendonca and Kristin Ross-Sitcawich., and Kristin’s web site was designed by Lynne; she also filmed and edited the video that appears on the site. So, I will let Lynne critique’s soon-to-be CC Mendonca’s site but the evaluation of Kristin’s site is left up to me, the amateur. 
Although I know the web site’s name, http://kristinforlowell.com/, I tried to find it by Googling. I had some difficulties, so that will need to be fixed. Once you have opened up the site, you will see very clean graphics, not busy at all. The drop down menu on the left side of the page is easy to follow. I liked the roll-over effect, just one click and you are on the second page. The web site is not overloaded with options. It is very annoying when you need to keep on clicking to get somewhere; this site is limited to 2 clicks per item.
As much as I like the design, I like the content better. It seems that they have covered all of the bases: Biography/Resume; donation/volunteer; an interactive section where voters can ask/discuss issues with Kristin; a blog of sorts.
There is also a section that links to the Secretary of State’s Election office if you need information on how to register to vote, absentee ballots, where to vote, etc…
My favorite part was the detailed policy section. Kristin outlines her views on the major public concerns facing municipal government: Fiscal Responsibility; the Economy; Education and the issue which launched her activism into Lowell politics, Neighborhood concerns.
And of course, there is the abovementioned short video where Kristin introduces herself and discusses her views. If you are not into reading campaign literature, this is a good way for you to get to know the candidate. Then there is the obligatory flickr photo gallery; a necessity for all self-respecting campaign web site.
I think this web site works for a number of reasons: one, Kristin has a clear message and she knew how she wanted to deliver it; second, Lynne is a web designer who knows and understands politics. Maybe in 2008, this campaign tool may be considered avant garde in Lowell municipal politics but it will the norm in a few years.
I strongly suggest all candidates, especially challengers, look at this web site and see the possibilities of taking your campaign directly to the voters.
Grade: A- : I am not giving it an A because, I did not easily finding the address on Google; and the best picture on Kristin’s flickr was of other candidates, current City Council members Kevin Broderick and Rodney Elliott.
