We need to exercise due diligence about not jumping to conclusions. We do not have soil sample results back. We have to be careful of the overreaction. Craig Slater, an environmental lawyer hired by the city of Elmira to oversee the state's investigation, said his experience has taught him that publicity often is a double-edged sword. N.Y. The state closed an elementary school on the property and evacuated 235 families from the neighborhood in 1978.
Public pressure can be useful.
Public scrutiny and outcries do work. Publicity does different things for different people. Sometimes the increased interest will make officials more cooperative and conscious about releasing information, Slater said. Other times, officials will be less likely to talk candidly about an issue because they will be worried about lawsuits, Slater said. Health officials depend on the media as an outlet to educate and share information with the community, Kump said.