A communications office should be a conduit from which information flows to the people. But in Somerville, the vaudeville comedy team of Tom and Meaghan has chosen   to concentrate on trying to manage, and possibly even withhold, the news.

On too many occasions, the mayor’s press people have interfered with local news coverage. When news of an Assembly Square deal first started to stream out into the city, the Tom and Meaghan Traveling Vaudeville Show turned what should have been a triumphant moment for the entire city into a chance to manipulate the media. When The News asked if a deal had been reached at Assembly Square, Tom told us he didn’t know anything about it. Within five hours, the self and same sent a full press release proclaiming an Assembly Square agreement. And that morning, lo and behold, The Boston Globe reported on the story with the full cooperation of an office that did not know anything when The News asked. Coincidence? We don’t think so.

Last week, we were saddened to see yet more manipulation by the Tom and Meg Show. James Kostaras was known to be leaving on a Friday. Officials were unreachable and promised a release on Tuesday night, one day past The News’ deadline, but in perfect time for The Farm Team paper. Funny how that works isn’t it?

The public trust is an important thing. When local readers see the Catskills’ treatment Tom and Meg give public information it gives the flak business a bad name and erodes the public trust in their administration. Mayor Joe should take note.