WHY governors let themselves get into such messes, I don't know, but once again we are listening to one of the most powerful persons in the state whimper that no one listens and no one understands. Cayetano's
communications complaintInexplicably, Ben Cayetano, the Democrat leading this most Democratic state, reports that he can't get his message out.
There isn't a politician born who doesn't believe that once you get to know them, you will vote for them. There's a lot of truth in that, because politicians are a likable bunch, who usually have the social skills well mastered.
They know what to say at luaus, weddings, funerals, in your house and on the street. Some can even do it on television.
Cayetano, however, has cause to worry about his communications skills. The most recent poll taken by this newspaper shows that Cayetano is holding the No. 1 ticket on the express down elevator.
A full 23 percent say Cayetano is doing a poor job. Perhaps more disturbing for Cayetano is that the poll shows a dislike not just for how he does his job, but for his ideas.
Strong vision? More than half say, "No."
Borrow $1 billion to build and spur on the state economy? Two-thirds say, "Not with my money."
Tax relief for specific income groups and professions? No way.
While Cayetano's staff says that the poll shows that the governor's popularity is tied to the state's moribund economy and the product of a negative campaign run by public worker unions, the essential fact remains that Cayetano, who was elected with slightly more than a third of the vote, is not a very popular fellow.
His defenders say Cayetano is an honest, hard-working sort who doesn't worry about the political consequences of his actions.
Being tough and honest, however, comes with the job. Those who can't explain why usually don't get to keep the job.
Cayetano last week said he wants a new public relations team to help get the word out. Like governors before him, Cayetano sees communications failures in terms of public relations teams.
He's wrong. Politicians win votes one at a time. They always have time to convince one more person, they always are able to spend a few minutes talking after a speech and they never can have too many speeches.
Compare Cayetano to Mayor Jeremy Harris and it is easy to see who understands retail politics.
While Cayetano thought he needed to buy radio ads to get his message out during negotiations with the school teachers, Harris is offered a weekly spot on the top-rated morning television news show. The mayor is also on the radio in the afternoon reviewing movies. Even former Mayor Frank Fasi has a regular radio show.
OPPORTUNITIES for Cayetano to explain his policies are as many as there are minutes in the day. His cabinet meetings could be broadcast live on public access television, like they are in Florida. They could be open to the news media and the public, as they are at City Hall.
Cayetano could make sure every day includes at least two public speeches, as Fasi did during his first term in office.
He could make sure that reporters knew how to reach him day or night, like Sen. Dan Inouye does.
People only have so much time to listen to politicians. If they aren't listening to Cayetano, they are hearing the message of someone else.
