DARIEN, Conn. Gone are the days when candidates for political offices would rely on knocking on doors and handing out fliers to get out their messages. In this year's Darien elections, candidates are relying on specially designed election websites, as well as social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Both the Republicans and the Democrats have launched new websites for their campaigns that play on the themes of unity and leadership. The Republicans' website, which boasts the banner We Are United, launched last week to promote the campaign of first selectman candidate Jayme Stevenson and her fellow Selectmen Dave Campbell and Jerry Nielsen.
The site features a rundown of the trio's accomplishments from their first term on the Board of Selectmen, as well as goals for the future. It also provides voting information, biographies on the three candidates, links to news articles about the campaign and phone numbers and email addresses to contact the candidates.
The Democrats' website, Darien Working Together, launched in the middle of August. The site is dedicated to first selectman candidate John Lundeen and running mates David Bayne and Vickie Riccardo. It has many features similar to the Republican site and includes campaign merchandise and a rundown of specific issues the three want to tackle on the Board of Selectmen.
Stevenson said the websites and social media sites are important in getting their message out to voters, but they will also rely on traditional methods. She says that if she is elected, she will continue the trend of 21st-century communication with the residents of Darien.
"I think one of my strengths is that I communicate well, and I will make a strong effort to continue using social media," she said. Stevenson also hopes to make the town website more user friendly.
Chris Noe, Darien's independent candidate for first selectman, has launched a YouTube channel, where he posts videos he makes depicting spots around town and his thoughts on various town issues.
Follow election coverage on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
