News is out that the California High-Speed Rail Authority spent $12.5 million on public relations over the past two years.
$12.5 million? Are you kidding me?
I've been in the communications business for 40 years. I've known billion-dollar corporations that don't spend a 10th of that on PR and get much better results. WTH is going on at the CHSRA?
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Reading deeper I learned that significant portions of the budget were spent on "politically connected consultants" made up of former politicians.
Again, are you kidding me?
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Right now we live in a nation where long-term politicians know diddly squat about communicating with their constituency. Spending money on people who are going to talk to get advice and counsel from politicians is a great way to make sure you DON'T relate to the general electorate.
Personally, I am in complete favor of high-speed rail having used it overseas. I know the benefit and value of such systems. I'm also thoroughly in favor of fully funding other public transit systems.
But really, folks, it isn't that hard to reach the common people and get your story across in today's world. It isn't hard to get them to give you constructive input either. The first step is get out of the inbred world of politics and get ahold of some people who know how to engage with reality. My rates are a LOT more reasonable than what you've been paying, believe me.
