If you're a public official, how do you renovate your office when you've made hay of someone else doing the same thing?
If you're Massachusetts House Speaker Sal DiMasi, the answer is "very carefully." DiMasi (a Friend of Governing ) is redecorating the Speaker's office, but he's keenly aware of the jeers that Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick faced when he redid his office earlier this year. In fact, DiMasi himself joined the chorus of criticism over items such as $10,000 drapes.
So DiMasi is taking charge of the PR. His office sent out a preemptive press release titled "House Speaker Begins First Renovation in 20 Years, DiMasi Committee Paying for Majority of Costs." As the release noted, DiMasi's campaign committee is shouldering the lion's share of the expenses.
The DiMasi camp also emailed reporters photos of somewhat shabby office, including images of the carpet, which is stained in several areas and, in one place, held together with duct tape.
It's a good lesson in the power of smooth media relations -- even if Massachusetts taxpayers still won't be keen on spending $13,000 for the office's new carpet.
Zach Patton -- Executive Editor. Zach has written about a range of topics, including social policy issues and urban planning and design. Originally from Tennessee, he joined GOVERNING as a staff writer in 2004. He received the 2011 Jesse H. Neal Award for Outstanding Journalism
E-mail: zpatton@governing.com 
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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