When is the last time you heard something positive about social media?

All of it, from Twitter to Facebook to Instagram, can be positive if used the way we’re doing it in the office of Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr.

I hope in this space today to tell you how we’re using social media to help you, the taxpayers in the City of Vicksburg, become more familiar with the workings of the mayor.

Transparency is of the utmost importance to all residents of the city, and we recognize that many of you use social media for numerous connections on a daily basis. With that in mind, as we venture into this new year, we are sitting on the cutting edge of technology and transparently communicating with you in the format many of you are using.

That is why we are taking advantage of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Our information is being posted immediately, and we’re being noticed for our delivery.

Just in the past month, Gov. Phil Bryant used Twitter to congratulate Mayor Flaggs for the city’s financial backing for the Vicksburg National Military Park to remain open during the U.S. Government shutdown. Gov. Bryant posted on Twitter, and we picked up his post and shared it with you on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, proving that the social media sites can be intertwined for your information-gathering.

As Mayor Flaggs travels in and out of the city to build state and national relationships, we’re posting regularly to not only show you where he is, but most importantly, to let you read firsthand about the meetings he is using to further the opportunities for the city and its residents.

Take for example, the meetings the mayor has had with national figures, from the U.S. Capitol to the White House. As soon as the mayor meets with these influential and powerful personalities, you’re getting that information.

He’s forging the relationships that, in turn, are bringing even greater opportunities to Vicksburg’s residents through industry, retail and funding for projects.

With all this said, let’s return to the positivity of social media. We’ve shown you day in and day out for months that all three of these sites can be used to affordably and nearly instantly share information that is important for today and the future.

None of this is to indicate that the more traditional forms of communication do not remain vital to the transparent workings of the Mayor’s Office.

We will continue to use The Vicksburg Post and the local radio and area television stations along with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to bring you the latest from Mayor George Flaggs Jr., and we hope through any or all of these, each of you will continue to see how the office is working for you.

Mayor Flaggs’ Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts can be found at “Mayor George Flaggs, Jr.”

Sam Andrews is executive assistant to Mayor George Flaggs Jr.