The definition of public affairs is a matter of context, in the truest and most literal sense of the word. What it means depends upon where you live and work and on the kind of business or industry you are in.
For instance, to the Redmond homeowner, it means preventing a satellite airport from
being built, to the Seattle parent it may be passing a school levy so that his or her
child can get the best education possible; to the corporate executive it may mean
reforming the state’s tax structure; to the small business owner it means cutting
through inappropriate government regulation.
To the “public relations” professional, however, it is the specialized public relations effort that is designed to build and maintain community and governmental relations.
In most public affairs concerns of any significance, someone has a lot at stake, either emotionally or financially. Not surprisingly the public affairs interests of various constituents can come into conflict.
For the homeowner who is concerned with jet noise and congestion that a third runway at
SeaTac International Airport would give, is at odds at the same time with a local
restaurateur who would favor the same airport expansion because it would deliver more
flights, more tourists, and more jobs.
The resolution of these conflicts requires decisions on the part of lawmakers, regulators and indirectly the public. It’s clear that the decisions should be based upon reasoned judgment of the facts. But determining which set of “facts” to believe and separating facts from opinion can be quite difficult even for the most adept counselor.
As we launch further into the 21st century, we find that rather than facts we are
confronted with “expert opinion.” And there seems to be an expert ready with an
opinion for every side of every public affairs concern. Under this avalanche of
information and opinion it is a challenge of some magnitude to just keep informed.
The human tendency in the face of too much information is to simplify rather than
to delve deeper into the topic at hand.
A past example is the controversy over the costly support and sustenance of the Department of Social and Health Services. Since the far-ranging department was consolidated in the early seventies, it has been rocked by differences of opinion coupled by many versions of the facts as to how and how much to spend on the program’s support. Now it appears to be headed for yet another reorganization with a future governor.
Enter the media: Our modern courtroom of public opinion, where complicated
issues are made overly simple and debate consists of the evening news thirty-second
“sound bite.” Unfortunately, in this modern arena of public opinion, informed expert
representation is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
Especially adept professionals who are thoroughly informed in the often arcane ways of government actions, experienced in community relations and skilled in media relations, are essential in assuring that your political and pubic affairs concerns receive a fair hearing.
Perhaps, more importantly, public affairs professionals such as LaBrue Communications can help manage issues before they reach the public policy formation process. In this way, public affairs activity supports the overall public relations function by identifying, establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships between your organization and the various publics on whom its success or failure depends.
Various public proposals will be given a political hearing in the near future, if not on the next Election Day. Concepts such as the long-delayed third bridge over Lake Washington plan, “Welfare Reduction” initiative, a new plan for convicted sexual felons, the replacement for the Seattle Viaduct, and another tax reduction initiative was floated at the same time the multi-million dollar bill state deficit was delivered to the public.
Will voters approve a new round of public spending while a regional recession is still making headlines? Will they be selective and choose between more popular proposals? Will they turn thumbs down on everything? We will find out how well the public affairs process and the professionals who perform this necessary service do, when the public speaks at the ballot box.
These are all considerations that will be made in the public forum, on television and in the print media. Will the public’s voices be heard or will they be silenced by louder, more organized, points of view? These are the questions that will make your selection of a public affairs firm of utmost importance.