Thumb Award PARKLAND CURE FOR PAINFUL REPORT: SHOOT THE MESSENGER

Thumbs Down to Forrest Smith, chairman of the Dallas County Hospital District Board’s building committee, for the quality of his public relations. Smith appeared on Channel 13’s “Newsday” to rebut allegations brought forth in a front page Dallas News story by reporter Linda Little. Her story charged that, on the basis of a report by a nationally known consulting firm, the district would be unable to complete its proposed improvements to Parkland Hospital with the $80 million already approved by voters. Said Smith, “I know that there are two people you never want to start a fight with. One is your boss’ secretary and the other one is a lady newspaper reporter.” He then charged Little with “uncompetence.”