|
Many have talked to me since the stories of
alleged local corruption appeared on this site
two days ago; most of them grateful that a light
is being shone into what appear to be “some dark
corners” in Bonners
Ferry City
governance.
Some of those who’ve offered congratulations
didn’t return my calls while I worked this
series, some refused to talk to me on the
record. For weeks, I collected hints and
snippets of information, but a journalist trying
to be an honest scribe can’t run on innuendo,
one needs an event.
“What took you so long to see this?” I was
asked. “We’ve seen it for years!”
I
must tell you.
As a local journalist trying to be responsible,
this is the last kind of story I want to write.
It breaks my heart to publish … this is my
community, too. Some think these are the stories
journalists live for; they do boost circulation.
In the news biz, controversy sells.
I
no longer buy ink by the barrel; I rent pixels
seen on computers around the world, where ever
and when ever anyone interested chooses to read.
On allegations, I have to be exceedingly careful
of what I publish if I am to earn the trust of
readers, which, as a journalist trying my best
to be responsible, is my stock in trade.
If a dam breaks, a hill slides or a disaster
occurs, I can get word out quick, but without
trust, what good is that? Responsible, timely
and trusted media can save lives.
On the allegations flying against the city, a
disaster, I fear, is impending. Yet it's not a
foregone conclusion. The people who know it have
been going through proper channels, by policy,
doing all they can to right what they perceive
as wrong.
The last person they want to talk to is a
journalist, but here it is. In the media.
When I start hearing, I get worried. I start
asking, and those who know give me bits and
pieces if I ask, but few will share all they
know as they’re still going through the
processes prescribed by policy. They have jobs,
and families who depend on them.
Talking to the media when you see something
wrong, as far as I know, is not mentioned in a
single personnel policy in any agency of
government in Boundary
County.
I
assure, no one in government has talked to me. I
will not tell my sources, but I can promise you
that.
I
will tell you that I have ways of finding out,
usually from a citizen adversely affected by an
ill-advised executive session or an attempt to
exclude openness.
People, citizens, are ever free to talk to
whomever they want.
The City of Bonners Ferry
has a personnel policy manual that every city
employee; elected, appointed or hired, must
read, It says that the privilege of serving the
public carries a higher standard.
It lists a series of tests.
I
would estimate that 90% of city personnel know
and abide that higher standard, but a few may
have slipped. Those who didn't might be in
trouble.
One of those tests asks “would it look good
printed on the front page of the local paper?”
I
think some assumed that the local media would
not dare publish or broadcast for fear of
offending or losing advertisers.
Their assumption was wrong.
What makes what I do so rewarding is that when
neighbors who read my scribbling see a threat,
they rally.
The Bonners Ferry City Council will meet in
special executive session Tuesday to discuss
personnel issues. I've heard from citizens
willing to step into the breach to get a mess,
real or perceived, cleaned up.
It’s amazing. No matter the circumstance,
when help is needed, Boundary
County people rally. I am privileged
to help sound the call.
|
