Last week, I found a free newspaper called “New Riga” in my mailbox. The piece of paper turned out to be a political advertisement, a campaign of LPP/LC party. Run, of course, by Ainars “Who Else Could It Be” Shlesers.

The man is eying a chair of Riga Mayor, which prolly is a good thing. And looks like he’s fitting in just as nice.

I observe the Transportation industry in Latvia for several years now, that’s why former minister Shlesers’ work has not went unnoticed. Perhaps because of my past in-depth interest in railways development and building of Rail Baltica – my ex missuz, Olga, is transport & logistics specialist, so couple years ago, when we were cooking the Masters work together, I had even been to a meeting in the Ministry of Transport, doing research.. Perhaps because I have went to sea myself, and am still interested in what’s going on in shipping, ports and around ‘em.. Perhaps because I like to fly and follow Riga Airport’s success.. Perhaps because Mr. Shlesers himself has managed to gain attention with his charisma, positiveness, targeted actions..

But perhaps, however, that is a perfect job of PR peeps. As a Communications Pro, I know of course what’s behind all of this. I know how this type of political papers and publications in those are being born. I know how thoroughly the questions to “ask” in the interview with Shlesers are chosen. I know how many times it’s thought and rethought back and forth, what and where, in what order to feature..

Nothing bad here though – a brand is being built, attractive package in the making, all for a good, quality product. Similarly like cottage cheese snack “Kārums” or, for instance, “Zelta Zivtiņa“. Only that, here it’s essential for the product to be made as delicious when the time pass and not to change for bad – which sometimes happens with politicians. Promises given during the election campaigns often wind up not fulfilled. That’s why hopefully everything that Shlesers & Co are talking about will be carried out in case of his win.

Gotta wish some luck, a good one, especially that there’s my Maritime schoolmate, Pavels Rebenoks, proudly occupying #51 on LPP/LC election list. Big Time!