Do you have any suggestions on how to respond to hostile or leading questions from the media?

The most important thing to remember is that there is no such thing as "off the record." Everything you say may be on the front paper tomorrow. Be honest and thoughtful in your responses to questions. Be yourself. When under attack, keep your cool...and your dignity. Answer questions about the public works, not the public works personnel. 

Below are some suggested responses to hostile questions: 

1. That's an interesting point you've raised. The best person to talk to is the (mayor, supervisor, etc.) 
2. I wish more reporters asked questions like that because that is the most critical problem we face. You can get some really excellent information from the (engineer, councilman, city attorney, etc.) and you'll be able to put together a good story if you talk to them first. 
3. I'm glad you asked that. I've got some good information on that in my office. Why don't you call me in an hour and we can talk about it then?
4. That's a complicated but important issue, and I really don't have time to give you the kind of response that the question requires. Can we get together again to go over some of the facts? 
5. That's a question everybody asks, but it has to do with policy. The town board or supervisor would be the ones to talk to about that. 
6. I appreciate the time you are taking to ask these questions. They're good ones. Did you know that our department is responsible for___ miles of roads and # bridges. Nearly ___% are in poor condition. That's not unusual. Let me tell you how we rebuilt that bridge...
7. You've asked good questions, and to be very honest with you, I don't know the answer off the top of my head. I tell you what, if you call me tomorrow, I'll take the time to look into it.