With the death toll rising and destructive flames spreading in Los Angeles County and beyond, the blame game is also gaining momentum. Some blame the horrific fires on inattention to climate change. Others point the finger at public officials for sloppy water management, budget cutbacks and lack of foresight.
A Republican office holder in the area, however, says finger pointing should not be the priority now. Supervisor Kathryn Barger represents an area in Los Angeles County that includes the fire-ravaged community of Altadena. During a television interview, Barger delivered a clear message that it’s just too soon to assign blame for the catastrophe. Her message was powerful and focused, as you will see in the clip below.
To be clear, Barger did not dismiss the need to eventually investigate decisions made by local and state officials. And she didn’t accept or reject the impact, if any, of climate change.
Instead, like all good communicators, Barger knew and understood her audience, in this case the victims of the fire. She believed her audience cared less about fire politics and more about the government helping them to rebuild their lives. So, she used the interviewer’s question to deliver a message that government aid was on the way.
We applaud Barger for sizing up her audience, ignoring the political noise, and effectively communicating with those in need.