Want to contact an MK? There's an app for that

National Union MK Uri Ariel is the first lawmaker to launch his own smartphone application.

By LAHAV HARKOV
iphones R 311 (photo credit: REUTERS)
iphones R 311
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Until recently, if a citizen wanted to contact the lawmakers, he or she could send an email or a letter to an individual MK or to the Knesset Public Petitions Committee.
Now, Knesset State Control Committee chairman Uri Ariel is the first MK to launch a smartphone application that puts the tools to send him questions and requests at the public’s fingertips.
“One of the pillars of my work is to maintain a dialogue and discourse with voters,” Ariel explained. “I am sure that the application will help strengthen that connection, which helps MKs in their work, whether it’s promoting bills or trying to reverse injustices.”
The National Union legislator hopes that the application, which is available as a free download for iPhones, iPads and Android, will streamline his ability to receive public petitions, and will allow him to send messages to the public, without go-betweens such as journalists.
In addition to its message-sending capability, the application links directly to Ariel’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, and features links to articles about radio and television interviews with the lawmaker.
The application also has a button to call Ariel’s office in the Knesset, and a calendar of events hosted by him.
Ariel is also a member of the Judicial Selection Committee, and his application allows the public to suggest new judges and complain about current ones.