Rantz: My WSDOT conspiracy theory
May 9, 2016, 1:26 PM
(WSDOT)
(WSDOT)
This weekend we learned the Alaskan Way viaduct closure would end well before WSDOT said it would; a welcome gift to the tens of thousands of drivers stuck in crippling traffic trying to get to and from work. I have a conspiracy theory: this early opening was planned.
WSDOT has been in desperate need of a public relations win. Their director was fired for incompetence, Bertha is behind schedule, the I-405 ETLs have been a nightmare, and the entire tolling system is rife with systematic problems. No one likes WSDOT. With so many bad stories, they needed a good one to show them that they have their office in order.
Related: Embarrassing auditor report identifies WSDOT incompetence
Isn’t it possible that WSDOT knew it wouldn’t take a full two weeks for the drilling and that it was an “early” re-open that was planned, all the purpose of delivering some good news? That this was a PR strategy meant to get them a “win” in the eyes of the public? After all, the news coverage has been positive.
Can I prove this? No. It’s just a conspiracy theory I have. But… any smart PR strategist would know that WSDOT needed to earn back some public trust and goodwill and this was a good opportunity to do that. What do you think?
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