Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 27 May 2014 06:01
A communications breakdown on Vernon council. Most members (4-2 vote) have backed a new strategy to ensure the city gets its message out to media, the public, funding partners, and other governments, but councillor Catherine Lord voted against it, saying "We're not big enough to have a spin doctor." Councillor Bob Spiers calls it just a P-R exercise, spin control, and propaganda. "I really don't think it's necessary," says Spiers. Mayor Rob Sawatzky disagrees, saying it's a sign the city is "growing up." "It's part of putting our house in order, running a business-like organization that is responsive to the public and can communicate that well to the public," says Sawatzky. Sawatzky says it's the first coordinated communications plan the city has ever had. Councillor Juliette Cunningham agrees it's needed. "I think anybody that knows our new communications person (Tanya Laing Gahr) could never accuse her of being a spin doctor. I think she's very sincere in trying to get a consistent message out so our public understands why we make decisions and why we do things." Cunningham says city communications prior to Laing-Gahr arriving six months ago were "hit and miss." "This is a comprehensive, well thought-out plan," adds Cunningham.
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Don Quixote Note: The report on this item can be found at Page 68-167 of Council Agenda at http://www.vernon.ca/images/uploads/council/agendas/packages/140526_vrsn_2.pdf
The Communications Department budget can be found at page 124-125 of the 2014 Financial Plan
http://www.vernon.ca/services/finance/documents/Adopted_2014-2018_Financial_Plan.pdf
1 comment:
Hmmm. Let's pull some of the adjectives from the key messages to be included in all communications.(balanced,attractive,safe,vibrant,
bold,progressive,rare,sound,sustainable, wise,long range, balanced,sustainable)There were some repeats. Certainly a loaded vocabulary. So tell me why this is not "spin"? Particularly in an election year. I think what the public and city staff would like is "Just the facts Maam". Cheers Shawn Lee a Vernon Taxpayer
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