George Washington said government is fire. So, why is it hiring a social media consultant? Then again, I never before asked how one protects liberties in 140 or fewer characters.

A gathering of Asheville area social media experts contributed to the City of Asheville’s evolving online social media strategy in a round table on Wednesday. In the meeting held at City Hall, a selection of social media consultants, local news reporters, bloggers and communication professionals provided crucial input and feedback into upcoming enhancements in the way the city supplies information to Asheville citizens.

The conversation was held in anticipation of the City of Asheville’s upcoming launch of new blogs, the latest step in a larger social media campaign that already includes Facebook, Twitter, e-newsletters and other online tools, and was hosted by city contract employee Justin Belleme. Belleme, a local social media consultant, was hired earlier this year to guide the city in evolving its social media presence.

My only qualm is, I don’t want to say this is too silly, because I highly regard the consultant. I was impressed with his intelligence in a computer class I took with him, and his profs say nice things about him to this day.