Public Relations or Administration?

In a recent editorial, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader argued that Mayor Dave Munson had more need for a chief of staff than a public relations specialist. In that editorial, one of the things the Argus said the chief of staff needed "to be not a buffer but a liaison with all manner of individuals, businesses and community groups." Interestingly, that's pretty similar to the definition of public relations from the Public Relations Society of America, which reads: "Public relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other."

Near the end of the editorial, the Argus states: "We need a focus on administrative abilities, not public relations." What do you think? Does the mayor's office have a greater need for an administator or a communicator? Leave your comments below.