Governor encourages residents to text him for updates on issues

Gov. Phil Murphy today launched a new platform – CommunityTM – with the idea of providing people first-hand updates on pressing issues.

Community is an SMS marketing platform that connects businesses, brands and public figures to their audiences at scale through a unique 10-digit phone number, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“My team and I were attracted to Community because it changes the way we engage with folks,” Murphy said. “Virtually every consumer uses text messaging. Why not use it to speak directly to residents, keep them updated on some of the great work we’re doing, and at the same time provide them with another opportunity to tell us what’s on their minds?”

Murphy officially unveiled his Community number on social media, encouraging residents to text their questions or comments to (732) 605-5455 and promising to send updates from time to time and get back to as many individuals as he can.

Unlike social media channels, where content is filtered through algorithms, Community is an operating system that delivers text messages directly to subscribers and doesn’t share advertising or use algorithms to deliver messages.

Community does not sell user data. The information provided during signup helps leaders to connect on a more personal level and directly share content that is most relevant to the user’s interests.

As stated in Community’s Acceptable Use Policy, leaders are expressly forbidden from using any data provided to discriminate against individuals, groups, or communities based on these characteristics.

In Memoriam

• CITRINO – Joseph C., of Allamuchy, formerly of Nutley, Westfield and Chester; Aug. 31. Husband, father, grandfather, 88.

• GRUBER – Diane B., of Woodland Park, formerly of Nutley; Sept. 17. Was 89.

• MALAGUE – Martin A., of Rosemont, Pa., formerly of Belleville, Edison; Sept. 2. WWII Army vet. Husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, 97.

In Memoriam is a weekly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.