Mayor's Text Message Scandal

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has found himself in the midst of a political scandal when an alarming story broke on January 23.  A racy text-message turned public, connects Kilpatrick to an affair with Christine Beatty, former Chief of Staff.  This was an affair that was denied by both Kilpatrick and Beatty one year ago.  This scandal could link him to the firing of two police officers in an attempt to cover the affair.  To make matters worse for the mayor, this could lead to a large lawsuit, not to mention the very real possibility of perjury charges since he testified in court denying this affair.  The 'text-message scandal' could result in resignation or even removal of office for this Detroit mayor.  If this were to occur, Detroit City Council President Ken Cockrel Jr. would take Kilpatrick's place as Mayor of Detroit.

Political scandals are certainly nothing new - just take a look back to former President Bill Clinton! What sets each apart, however, are the ways in which PR is used to deal with each one. Clinton managed to avoid impeachment and regain the publics (and Hillary's!) trust.  This same happy ending doesn't seem to be in sight for Kilpatrick though.  Currently, public relations experts are not thrilled with Kilpatrick's response to this crisis.  He is being criticized for being too slow and too careful in his responses to the public.  It is the 'golden rule' of PR to be open, honest, and quick when it comes to addressing the press and the nation.  Kilpatrick has instead chosen to stay silent and withhold information, which PR professionals warn is not the correct way to manage a crisis.  

Now that the general public, most importantly the population of Detroit, know his secret, it is important for him to come out and explain himself.  In fact, after living through countless other political scandals, an apology is most likely what Detroit was waiting for from day 1.  Detroit got their apology more than a week later, but not after the scheduled televised event was delayed a few days.  Kilpatrick, his security and staff are also accused of being hostile towards the media.  Though what Kilpatrick can say is certainly restrained  by legal issues, this approach he is taking will surely result in letting his followers down.  Until he and his administration are able to form a positive relationship with the media and open up to the public, it seems unlikely that Mayor Kilpatrick will be able to resolve this situation in his favor.