A Speech Communications NB will never, ever, be able to write...

It its constant quest to instill every single New Brunswicker with the mantra of self-sufficiency/transformational change/status quo is not an option, a rather pedestrian provincial budget has just been tabled, and it includes a hefty increase in funds for the government's provincial communications agency.

Leaving aside the merits of communications professionals (I too was once a spin doctor - ed.), it certainly would be nice if a New Brunswick political figure could speak honestly about the pressing issues of the day, without resorting to focus-grouped talking points.

On a totally different plane, Barack Obama has just given the speech of his life, speaking in Philly about the question of race in the United States. Historians will be digesting every syllable of the prepared text for years - long after this fellow leaves the Oval Office.

And like all wonderful political addresses, this one was prepared without much input from communications professionals (in fact, a number of Obama's campaign staff did not want him to give it). Yet Barack's speech is now dominating the American news cycle. In contrast, the provincial budget has produced barely a murmur.

It's a shame that lesson hasn't been picked up by anyone here in New Brunswick - spending all the money in the world on press releases doesn't change much if you don't have anything significant to say.

Who Wants To Draft Elsie?

The civic election season is upon us, and so far there are few bright lights running for council. The Saint John Mayoral race, however, is bubbling along nicely. There are 3 likely candidates - Norm McFarlane, Michelle Hooton, and Ivan Court. The current council's black sheep - maverick John Ferguson - may also turn into a dark horse, and throw his hat into the ring.

A St Patrick's Day prediction, for those who feel lucky? If Ferguson stays out, McFarlane will win in a game of attrition. If Ferguson jumps in, the muck will really start to fly, and Hooton just might remain standing at the end.

Of course, if Elsie Wayne were to relaunch her elephant campaign, all bets are off.