Rather than using this space for my usual weekly anecdote, I'd like to take this opportunity to invite YOU to tell me something about yourself. Tell me what you do, where you live, or what you do for fun. Or simply tell me a story. Be creative! And, of course, don't feel obligated to respond, but know that it's always great to hear from our readers -- to get confirmation that there's a real sea of PEOPLE out there who read our newsletter every week.

Have a great week!

-Gabe

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This is an insiders' issue that hasn't really been reported. But it's an issue that increasingly dominates the discussion when reporters meet in the Capitol and talk shop. They swap horror stories about telephone calls not returned by the press office, of inaccurate information dispensed by Davis' handlers, of top-level advisers being muzzled, of miscues and missteps, of repeated "no comments" on subjects that in other administrations, Republican and Democratic, normally would have drawn easy responses. The deadlines pass, the "no comments" accumulate and the reporters' ire increases.

Davis' communications problem is all the more surprising, considering that Davis did a first-rate job when he dealt with the media during the administration of his former boss Jerry Brown. Indeed, throughout Davis' career in public service, he has been quick to offer his views, ensuring that his position, whatever it might be, finds its way into news stories. During his successful campaign for governor, his message was remarkably focused.

But with his accession to the governorship, that has changed, at least in the early weeks.

Reporters inquiring on a myriad of topics -- state workers' pay, the environment, social services, the budget, just to name a few -- are routinely referred to the press office, which has developed little or no expertise in dealing with issues that can be remarkably complex. That means either a "no comment" or an answer that, if it's not delayed for hours, may not be accurate or complete.

Sources say his top policy people, including his cabinet-level advisers, have been told not to talk independently with the press, presumably on the theory that an administration that speaks with one voice -- the governor's -- will be politically successful.

But that is a dangerous notion. When reporters on deadlines can't get reliable information from a press office, they get it from sources elsewhere in the Capitol and bureaucracy, many of whom have sharp political axes to grind. The more the governor muzzles his administration, the harder reporters dig for information. Good reporters don't rely on a press office anyway, except to obtain the governor's position on issues or a response to something the reporter has discovered, but an efficient communications setup often can minimize the impact of the inevitable negative stories when they arise.

It may be that these problems will work themselves out as time goes on: Davis has only been in office little more than a month, and any administration is entitled to a grace period. But the problem is that the Davis administration isn't up to speed on the no-brainers -- quick call-backs on deadline, for example. One must cut them some slack for not knowing about the intricacies of ERAF or the Headwaters Forest negotiations, but returning phone calls quickly to the major media is something every public relations person learns in Communications 101.

Members of the public generally don't care if reporters have a tough time getting information. But they should. When information is lacking in a story, it's the reader or viewer who pays.

And so far, they are paying dearly.

You asked for it, you got it! The current listings for both Assembly and Senate committees are now available through our Web site. Point your browser to http://www.capenq.com/gov/info.html for links to the rosters.

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