Why Elected Officials Sometimes Need to Rein In Their Influence During Emergencies

Route Fifty: LONG BEACH, Calif. — When disaster strikes or there’s an unfolding emergency situation, it’s not uncommon for elected officials in state, county and municipal governments to rush to the scene or to the nearest assemblage of television cameras.

For the general public, their elected officials are recognizable figures and offer a more concrete connection to the government response even if they aren’t directly responsible for executing that response. They can offer assurances of steady leadership during difficult situations.

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