The city of Columbus may gain a new position, if the Columbus City Council approves a measure to hire a Public Relations Director.
Mayor Robert Smith said the position, which will go before councilmen this evening for consideration, would allow the city to hire a public relations officer to handle the city’s relations with the public, other government entities and the media.
Smith said the person would have “considerable latitude” to make decisions and recommendations to the council.
The idea for the position isn’t a new one, he said.
“I brought it up to the council about a year ago,” Smith said. “At that time, they said it wasn’t included in the budget and wanted to wait. I discussed it again recently with a councilman who asked if I’d consider bringing it up again. I think it would be a good asset to the city.”
Smith said the position, if approved, is meant to address claims that the city isn’t transparent enough in its operation.
“The main thing is we get a lot of criticism about not being transparent enough,” Smith said. “By having a public relations person, that person could be a conduit for the mayor and council, and also employees. They’d also be a conduit for the city to develop a better working relationship with the media.”
Smith said city officials will seek someone with a 4-year degree in public relations, communication or journalism and at least five years of experience working in print/television media or writing government speeches.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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