Winning Public Support for Bond Issues: Joint Discussion

Abstract

In this joint discussion, Howard J. Sowden discusses the passing of a water improvement referendum in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in 1959. He states that the vote of confidence was largely due to a good public relations campaign. He discusses the obvious change in attitude by the utilities from a policy of little or no concern about the type of service rendered, to a policy where an earnest endeavor is made to secure better public relations. The effort is made generally through a thorough information program regarding the problems and expenses of operating a utility and by rendering the most prompt, efficient, and courteous service possible. In the smaller water utility, such as that in Fergus Falls, the expense of a public relations department would probably be considered unwarranted because of the relatively small size of the business; therefore, it is the manager's responsibility to promote and carry out a satisfactory program of good public relations. In Fergus Falls, a copy of a community relations portfolio issued by the Cast Iron Pipe Research Association was obtained and proved to be of great assistance in guiding and conducting the bond issue campaign. Robert S. Millar writes about Denver Water Board's 1955 bond issue request for water supply improvements. A citizen's committee was formed and volunteers from that committee carried the message to various groups in the city. A speaker's kit containing booklets, brochures, and financial statements was prepared for their use. It is felt that the talks before public meetings and small groups of citizens did much to promote the eventual passage of the bond issue.