Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Information topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local reporter urges Smithville council to prioritize communications strategy
Summary
A local reporter urged the council to make media relations and public communications a core consideration in choosing the interim city manager, saying the city lacks a proactive strategy to share information and good news with residents.
Kristen Meriwether, a local reporter, told the council she was speaking partly to advocate for better communications between City Hall and the public. "What is your strategy for dealing with the press?" Meriwether asked, saying Smithville lacks a consistent communications approach and that whoever becomes interim manager should make outreach a priority.
Meriwether said the city tends to react rather than proactively share positive developments, and she urged council members to evaluate candidates on their willingness and ability to work with local media and use available communication tools. The mayor thanked her for the input and noted the council would consider communications as part of the hiring process.
