At the prompting of Councilman Mike Kennedy, the city of CdA plans to launch the City of Coeur d'Alene Today Blog Wednesday at its www.cdaid.org Web site. The purpose of the blog was explained in a city news release this morning: "With newspapers downsizing and closing around the country, it's important for the city to communicate directly to the citizenry as much and as often as possible. The city will use the blog to post routine information such as hearing schedules, bid reports, community events, and links to more information on timely topics. In emergency situations, the blog will be used to inform citizens about snow events/closures, Amber Alerts, and police updates. The blog will include links to e-mails and phone numbes for staff, council members, and relevant city volunteers. Said Councilman Kennedy: "We're excited to be able to give clear and straight information, unfiltered, directly to our constituents. Full news release here.

Question (for MikeK): will the city blog have a comments section? If so, who will monitor it?