A potential scandal doesn't define us

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.