The PIO pledge

In exchange for the handsome salary you pay me,

I promise to answer your any legitimate question
about the public interests, candidly, forthrightly,
and honestly.

I promise to tell the truth, the whole ethically redacted truth, and nothing but the truth.

How different would it be if Public Information Officers actually served the public? Is there a PIO anywhere who serves the public first and the boss last? Is there a PIO anywhere will promise to tell us the truth?

APS' Executive Director
of Communications
Monica Armenta
one of highest paid of pios,
has not taken the pledge.







Director of Communications
Chris Ramirez,
among the lowest paid of pios,
has not taken the pledge either.









and why should they?
The people they really work for won't take it.

APS Supt Winston Brooks
has not taken the pledge.










APS School Board President
Marty Esquivel
has not taken the pledge.









Mayor Richard Berry
has not taken the pledge.










Governor Elect Susana Martinez
has not taken the pledge.










Journal Editor Kent Walz
has not taken the pledge.










Nor will any of them ever take the pledge, ever.

Else, sign here 1. ______________

I will.

Within my public service, I promise to hold myself honestly accountable to the truth. I promise to answer any legitimate question about the public interests, candidly, forthrightly and honestly, or I will resign.

Politicians and public servants are first and
foremost, public information officers.

It is their primary responsibility.

It is how they protect from abuse,
the power and the resources that have been entrusted
to their use.

It is in fact, the only way to protect them.



photos and frame grab Mark Bralley
Monica Armenta photo ched macquigg