UPDATE: CFPUA backtracking on comment it tried to “scare” customers this weekend

FROM A NEWS RELEASE SENT TO THE WWAY NEWSCHANNEL 3 NEWSROOM MONDAY AFTERNOON….

During our press conference this afternoon a reporter [Ann McAdams] asked about the enforcement of the water conservation measures that were in place. A CFPUA staff member began to say that it was an effort to “scare” customers into conserving; however, she stopped and corrected herself and explained that our intent was to inform customers of the severity of the situation.

It has already shown up on a few of the media outlets that CFPUA was out to “scare” people and we would appreciate it if this indication was changed and replaced with what was truly explained.

Jacqueline Major
Water Conservation Specialist
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
235 Government Center Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
jacqueline.major@cfpua.org

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CFPUA Director Matt Jordan just called me – asking me to not report this story or to at least report that the “scare” comment was not CFPUA’s “intent.”

I’ve watched the interview where the staffer refers to “scaring” customers and not once did she try to “stop” or “correct herself” or to ammend her comment or change it in any way immediately after she made the statement.

She said what she said – and I’m sure that’s what she meant – the CFPUA tried to SCARE us into not using water this weekend unless we had to.

As Joe Mauceri told me after the phone conversation, “I don’t think any of us ever INTENDS to put our foot in our mouth.” I think he has a valid point.

Scott Pickey
News Director
WWAY-TV