Politically Speaking
During my recent live-to-air interview on Rogers Television’s “Politically Speaking” with Tim Mau, a caller inquired about the recent hire of an event co-ordinator to assist the Mayor, mentioned in the papers as a “Public Relations Consultant for the Office of the Mayor.”
I did not have a full and complete answer during the interview but promised to find out the details and post the answer on this site.
Kate Sullivan, who worked as a public relations officer for the City of Kitchener for the last three years, started her new job last week. Her role includes establishing and maintaining mutual lines of communication between the mayor’s office and the city’s residents, businesses and other stakeholders. She’ll also help the mayor be informed about and responsive to public opinion, and keep the public informed about the activities of the mayor and council
Kate’s job also includes assisting the Mayor and Council to enhance intergovernmental partnerships to promote business development and secure new funding for city infrastructure and services. Specific duties include planning and coordinating special events; drafting correspondence, newsletter articles, web content, and other materials; developing communications strategies to keep residents and businesses informed of initiatives of the Mayor and Council; acting as a liaison with community groups and stakeholders; managing intergovernmental liaison activities and creating new opportunities for public input and engagement. The Public Relations Consultant will also recommend to the Mayor improvements and strategies in response to trends, complaints or community concerns.
The position is a fixed term contract to coincide with the term of office of the current Mayor and Council.
May 26th, 2007 at 8:50 am
Councillor Salisbury:All the functions you’ve outlined are being performed by existing City Staff and thus this position,mainly one of keeping the Citizens away from the Mayor(i.e.,a “gatekeeper”),unless of course you’re one of the “in croud”,is totally redundant.Perhaps there’s no longer a need for the ever-growing Staff as this position will do it all,less of course,the professional knowledge and experience.Does this also lead to members of Council being a voiceless non-entity?What an utter waste(pick your own coloured bag for depositing it in the waste stream)of Taxpayers’ money!!!!