Introduction

Most observers of local government and politics are aware of a media attention— governing effects anomaly. The mass media in the United States devote the bulk of their governmental and political coverage to national and international, rather than local, developments, yet the mix of public services that directly affect citizens on a day-to-day basis is a mix of services provided by local governments, by and large. While local governments must deal with problems and take advantage of opportunities within their boundaries, sources of many of the problems and opportunities are outside the boundaries. Much of the history of public administration professionalism has been the continuing search for more effective tools of administration. Winning control of local government frequently results in influence over major policies and sizable expenditures. Low visibility and a lack of opportunities for citizen participation in policy discussions are not characteristic of public school management.