Mayoral candidate Carmella Mantello has released information for the online portion of her campaign, including a new website, Facebook Page and Twitter account. Mantello said her online presence will allow the "voters of Troy to closely follow her campaign and learn more about her vision for the future of the City."

"Campaigns move at a very fast pace, and these social media sites will allow the residents of Troy to be informed on a daily basis of my vision and plans to create jobs, promote waterfront revitalization, and enhance the quality of life throughout our City," said Mantello in a press release issued today. "These sites will create a dialogue, a two-way conversation between the people of Troy and me so together we can make Troy an even better place to live."

Mantello hasn't yet utilized her Twitter account, but the Facebook Page has 68 "likes" as of this posting (including one Record reporter who wants to stay up to date on campaign happenings). Most of the content on her website and Facebook Page are links to news coverage, but she has posted the following mission statement:

"Troy is facing significant challenges ahead and Carmella will forge new partnerships with business, community leaders and educational institutions to create a City that is an even better place to live and work. Waterfront development, one of our most vital resources, will be a centerpiece of her Administration. Jobs will be a top priority"

If you're interested, her website is at www.carmellaformayor.com, the Facebook Page can be found by searching "Carmella Mantello for Mayor of Troy" (no custom URL yet) and her Twitter account is @Carmella4Mayor.

What do you think about candidates utilizing social media for their campaigns?

Mayor Harry Tutunjian has posted a video on the (now infamous) "Troy, NY" Facebook page, discussing his thoughts on the proposed 2011 budget, the Council's changes and the process up to this point (including the meeting yesterday that was an "absolute waste of time").

In the video, Tutunjian repeats much of the same arguments he has made over the past week, saying again that he won't approve a budget with the Council's changes.

Check out the video here.

What do you think will happen at tonight's meeting? How do you feel about the Mayor using Facebook to address people directly? Post your thoughts in the comments!