Relating to Taxpayers By Dr. Ted Flickinger, CAE IAPD Executive Director and Managing Editor T here are a variety of techniques or methods to use in developing a good rapport with the taxpayers. Here are three basic ingredients to productive and harmonious communication with the taxpayers to gain and retain their support for public parks and recreation. First, an agency must conduct its affairs in a manner that wins public respect and the support assuring its integrity in the community.
Board members have a vital role in an effective public relations program.
As citizens in a community, they are excellent sounding boards. Second, the agency must welcome suggestions and constructive criticism. Third, the agency must represent the interests of the entire community responsibly and responsively. This information will help the board ensure that a reasonable and an equal amount of money is going to programs that serve different segments of the population. Citizen involvement can take many forms such as those listed below.