"It's inappropriate for an elected official to lead out on issues that the public isn't aware of"

Then it is the leader's job to make them aware. A blog is a good way to do that. I'd be firing this guy, if he were my city councilman.

I had a very similar thought as Todd when I read that statement that it was "inappropriate for an elected official to lead out on issues that the public isn't aware of."

Also, there was the statement that the dialog on blogs can "degrade into something that becomes more personal attacks and opinions rather than a good civic discussion of what's going on in their community." While it's true that that happens, it is possible to cultivate a culture on a blog that does not degrade like that. I would not say that every elected official is capable of building such an online forum, but it can be done - elected officials should not fear an open discussion simply because it can go sour - even personal interactions can sour like that, it's a potential problem for any medium of communication.