I’ve have been fortunate enough to know and work with several communications professionals in my personal and professional career. What we saw today from the Paul Cheng campaign would make any of them cringe.
I think I can safely say that any of them would agree with me on the following points.
When a member of your volunteer staff does something extremely stupid and wrong, like post a racist tweet. It’s a good idea to get rid of them. – Paul Cheng did this.
Instead of just moving on at that point instead blame your opponent, the victim of the racist comment or anyone else who brought it to you attention. – Paul Cheng alas did all of this, therefore politicizing the issue. Racism is an independent issue outside of politics. This then made a small issue bigger.
Then his campaign manager accuses a local media outlet for putting words into Paul Cheng’s mouth. Only problem was Paul was recorded saying that and knew he was on the record. Never tell a lie particularly when there is proof out there.
I don’t always agree what is presented in print/radio/tv , but the ones I’ve met are good people and realize that lying would be very bad for their professional careers and for the industry in general. I realize that the media has a job to do as well, and in the era of cutbacks and mergers it’s tougher then ever. I have a great deal of respect for the profession in general.
There are people I agree with and people I disagree with on issues, but if anyone I know ever behaves in the manner that this person did, they will get called out. Racism has no place in civilized society. No excuses.
UPDATE: Just before I hit publish, Paul Cheng has offered his apology to Craig Needles and AM980 for the statements made by his campaign manager.
Great points Stuart. I might like to add that Mr Cheng has said on many occasions that if he is mayor he will take all responsibility for failures of council and yet cannot seem to demonstrate the ability to do that with his campaign team and supporters unless forced to. I also agree with your comment that he needs to sincerely apologize for his accusations to the others as well.
Thanks for the comments. I’m glad to see he did apologize to Craig but I would have like to have seen the same to the others.
Neither Cheng nor Brown are good choices so I don’t know what difference it makes if they burn themselves up fighting.
This is beyond a particular candidate, it’s common sense.