A Primer On How To Put Politicians Feet To The Fire

Political deflects A few simple rules for getting answers from wriggling officials

By LORRIE GOLDSTEIN

Tonight, the community in northwest Toronto from which 12,000 people had to flee for their lives early Sunday, after a privately owned propane depot blew up, will get their first real crack at questioning politicians.

Since politicians receive years of media training, often on our dime, here's some free advice to those folks, based on 30 years of covering politicians, just to help even things up.

It also applies more generally in any situation where you're trying to nail down politicians (and bureaucrats) about how and why they screwed up.

Rule #1: Bring video/tape recorders. You'll want a record of what's said.

Rule #2: Note who doesn't show up. If someone's not there who should be, a relevant politician or bureaucrat, ask why.

Rule #3: Write your question down. Keep it brief and specific. Don't ramble or make a speech.

Rule #4: There's nothing wrong with being genuinely angry and don't worry if you get emotional. That said, if things get really heated, take a few deep breaths and calm down. (Ironically, Maria Augimeri, city councillor in the ward where Sunday's propane blast occurred, got into a bizarre exchange yesterday with a local resident, during which she yelled at him to "shut up!")

Rule #5: Don't threaten anyone or accuse them of criminal conduct. While it's unlikely, you could be charged or sued for slander. Plus, you will become the story, rather than the real story -- government incompetence.

Rule #6: Once you ask a question, listen to the answer. Public figures are taught how to deflect questions by raising or answering a different one than what is asked.

Here's an example. Question: "Why was Sunrise Propane legally allowed to set up next door to us when everyone within 1.6 km of the plant was advised by the police to run after it blew up? If everyone within 1.6 km was in danger, why was it given permission to operate across the street from our neighbourhood?"

Here's how a politician might deflect this question:

Answer: "That's a very good question. First, I'd ask you to join me in congratulating our police, firefighters and paramedics on the wonderful job they did."

Then he'll start applauding, until the audience joins in.

Then he'll continue, "one of the things I hope to learn from you tonight is how we can improve our emergency response in these situations ... blah, blah, blah."

See? The politician deflected the question and trapped the audience into agreeing with him.

The way to avoid this is to listen closely to the first words out of a politician's mouth after you've asked your question. If, within 45 seconds (keep time) he isn't answering what you asked, interrupt politely but firmly saying: "I'm sorry, but we have limited time. Please answer my question."

If the rules are you can only ask one question (it should be one and a supplementary) turn to the moderator and say: "He's not answering my question. Please ask him to do so."

If none of that works, you'll know he never intended to answer.

Best questions

Here are some questions it will be hard for a politician to deflect:

(1) "Why did no one listen to us, when we warned you this would happen?"

(2) "Who made the decision to approve this propane depot and are they here tonight?"

(3) "Would you have lived across the street from this propane depot with your family?"

(4) "If there were all these safeguards, why did it blow up?"

(5) "Can you guarantee there won't be another propane depot on that site?"

(6) "How will you compensate us for our damages?"