Since most press releases don’t make it past reporters’ in-boxes, it’s hard for the public to know just how prolific Larry Phillips has been since he announced his intention to run for King County Executive. About one-third of all releases coming from the county council communications office are sent on behalf of Phillips.
He can’t use county resources to campaign, so Phillips’ statements are all couched as being made in his official capacity as a council member. But since announcing his intention to run for the top job, he’s suddenly weighing in on everything from swine flu to citizen complaints that garbage trucks are overloading before driving out to the Cedar Hills landfill. Most of the releases involve telling voters…er, constituents, about steps Phillips has taken in regard to the problems facing our county.
Recently, Phillips has gotten out of control, skimming blogs, obscure press releases, and even junk mail for ways to connect with very specific voting blocs… oops, constituents. Among the recent releases:
• In regard to a West Seattle Blog post from a reader who says someone mowed his lawn and trimmed his shrubs while he was out, Phillips had this to say: “We cannot have vigilante yard manicurists terrorizing the good people of West Seattle. I have called for the council to create a Domestic Vegetation Oversight Committee. They will be responsible for creating a plan to ensure the sightlines of yards and punishing people who take the law into their own green thumbs.”
• After finally watching Twilight, he had county staff draft a release noting that “Whenever I speak with friends from Los Angeles, I tell them how beautiful King County is, encouraging them to tell their producer friends to film here instead. It’s great to see it paying off!”
• Mistakenly believing that Ken Griffey, Jr. had died after missing several games with stomach problems, Phillips released a statement saying “Ken embodied the spirit of optimism and dedication that makes me so proud to live in King County. I have organized a moment of silence for this great man outside Safeco Field before tonight’s game.”
• After a staff member notified Phillips that Griffey is indeed alive, a correction went out courtesy of the King County communications office “celebrating how thrilling it is to have him back with the M’s.” Phillips added that it was he “who pushed the Mariners’ management to bring back this local treasure.”
• And finally, after waking in a panic at 5 a.m. Tuesday and realizing he hadn’t issued a press release in more than four hours, Phillips skimmed the morning newspaper for ideas. Upon discovering that pork shoulder blade roast was on sale at the Queen Anne Safeway for 99 cents a pound, he immediately had county media staff send out a notice expressing his “gratitude to this fine grocery institution for ensuring that even during a financial crisis, our protein needs will continue to be met. I encourage other businesses to follow their example. Only together will we ensure everyone has food on the table.”
