Woolwich selectmen adopted a communications and social media policy following the board’s first airing Monday night. The vote enacting the new policy was a unanimous one with little discussion.

Chairman David King Sr. said the wording was in accordance with what Maine Municipal Association had recommended. “It’s long overdue,” he said.

Selectman Dale Chadbourne agreed the policy was needed. He mentioned recent emails going back and forth between members of the board of selectmen.

“Why couldn’t it (the discussion) wait until tonight?” Chadbourne asked.

“Are you suggesting we have no email communication?” Selectman Allison helper asked.

“No, just limits,” Chadbourne replied.

That’s one reason why the town needs the policy, King said, adding that its guidelines apply to both town officers and town employees.

As stated, the policy establishes guidelines for the “creation, use and distribution of public communications and social media as a means of informing the citizens of Woolwich.”

“Social media” includes comments on Facebook, blogs, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn. Comments are defined as: “information, articles, pictures, videos, or any other form of communication content posted on a Town of Woolwich social media site.”

The selectmen, town administrator, or their designee “will approve the content generated by any party other than that provided by town officials. If content is generated by any party other than town officials, it must meet the test of common public interest and must be nonpartisan and noncommercial,” it states.

Employees representing the town on public or social media communications “must conduct themselves at all times as representatives of the town in accordance with town policies.”

Content on town media sites must adhere to a list of standards and be of a “civil and unbiased manner.”

As stated the policy restricts “comments in support of or in opposition to any political campaigns or ballot measures.” It also restricts any content that violates legal ownership, or copyright.

Furthermore it reads, “the town reserves the right to deny access to town public or social media sites for any individual who violates the Communication & Social Media Policy, at any time without prior notice.” 

Copies of policy are available at the town office. It will also be posted on the town’s website. King said it could be amended if needed.