Shelby White is just an average, ordinary guy. At least that’s how he portrayed himself when he spoke in favor of the May Town Center at last Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting. Only he forgot to disclose an essential fact to the packed audience: He is paid to be in favor of the $4 billion development. White works for Seigenthaler Public Relations, whose client is developer Tony Giarratana, the point man for May Town. White has worked on the account. If you’re taking part in one of the most contentious public debates in recent Nashville history, you might want to do so as honestly as possible. Ethics in public relations is a lot like ethics in journalism: situational and self-serving. Still, it’s pretty much a no-brainer that you don’t make yourself out to be a regular citizen who really, really likes a project — especially if you’re paid to like the project. Interestingly, after White spoke last week, his own peers in the industry snickered at his sheer audacity of hope. Did he actually think no one would call him on this? In any case, White's appearance last week highlighted Giarratana's main problem. His opponents are intelligent, sincere and dedicated enough to wait hours for the chance to speak for a few minutes before the Planning Commission. In contrast, the developer's friends and allies are, more or less, bought. Many of those who stepped up to the podium last week in support of May Town were angling for a contract. And then there was White doing PR on the sly. But forget about that for a second. Here is White’s worst sin: UPDATE: Check out the client list of one William Kantz, who I am told, also spoke in favor of the May Town Center as if he were just a regular Joe.
