Outgoing Congressman Mike Ross picking up Golden Mouse Award as his time in office almost over

U.S. Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott was presented a Gold Mouse Award on Monday for having one of the best websites in Congress, according to a report released by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF). Ross was one of only 19 lawmakers on Capitol Hill to receive the Gold Mouse Award for the 112th session of Congress and was recognized for demonstrating a strong commitment to connecting with citizens and exemplifying transparency and accountability in government. Ross’s website (http://ross.house.gov) also won the Gold Mouse Award in 2010.

“I’m proud to once again receive this tremendous honor by such a respected organization,” said Ross. “My duty as Congressman is to be a resource to my constituents, helping them cut through the red tape and find the answers they need as quickly and as easily as possible. People often don’t have the time or resources to visit one of my district offices in El Dorado, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff or Prescott. So, my website is designed to be a ‘one stop shop’ for constituents needing help or answers. We’ve worked hard on this website and I’m glad there are groups like the Congressional Management Foundation recognizing and pushing for accountability and transparency in government.”

The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to improve communications between citizens and Congress and to enhance operations on Capitol Hill. After an extensive evaluation process, CMF presents a Gold, Silver or Bronze Mouse Award each session of Congress to those sites earning an A-plus, A or A-minus grade. Among the Gold Mouse Award winners, the top winner in each category is presented with the Platinum Mouse Award.

“Rep. Ross is to be commended for educating citizens and achieving the highest degree of transparency and accountability in online communications,” said Bradford Fitch, President and CEO of CMF. “In the 21st Century, a website is much more than a broadcasting tool for a political message - it's a virtual office and a window into our democratic institutions. These winners of the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Mouse Awards understand the value of using the Internet to enlighten and serve constituents, and are examples for all congressional offices to follow.”

Of the 618 congressional websites graded, a total of 98 personal office, committee and leadership websites earned A’s, and will therefore receive a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Mouse Award. CMF conducted its analysis from June to September 2011 and on Monday announced the winners as part of its latest report, “112th Congress Gold Mouse Report: Best Practices in Online Communications on Capitol Hill.” The full report is available at www.congressfoundation.org.

“Whether you’re looking up my position on an issue, trying to get help with Social Security benefits or planning a trip to our nation’s capital, I want my website to be an easy online resource for you and your family,” said Ross. “But, my website is only part of the resources available. You can stop by and visit any of my offices in person or you can call, e-mail fax, write a letter or post messages on Facebook and Twitter. My job is to listen to you, the people I represent, and to be your voice in our nation’s capital. That’s exactly what I’ve tried to do while serving my home state in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Constituents may visit Ross’s website at ross.house.gov or call his office toll free at 1-800-223-2220. Ross is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RepMikeRoss, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RepMikeRoss and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/RepMikeRoss. Constituents may also sign up for Ross’s weekly e-newsletter at ross.house.gov by clicking on the e-news signup icon and can subscribe to his weekly podcasts through iTunes at ross.house.gov/podcasts.