I’m assuming this letter will get to someone at corporate Lee Enterprises.
I live in Mason City and have concerns over the reporting being done in our local Globe Gazette. Two issues recently come to mind.
October 16, 2010 issue: Article entitled “Candidates disagree on juvenile detention costs” By John Skipper. What happened to reporting the entire story. What happened to interviewing Tony Reed? Why was the fact that our sitting Supervisor, Bob Amosson, not only sits on the board in Waterloo–but is Chairman as well not part of this article? Should he have even been the individual responding in the article considering?
I spoke with Jane Reynolds the following week and asked about this. She suggested that I allow John Skipper the opportunity to finish the follow-up on this story. She suggested I speak with John. I declined for the simple reason that I did not feel I would get a “fair” shake from John.
Could have been a more informative article considering Amosson was up for re-election. But the public is subject to the power of John’s pen. Retire this guy and you might see your subscriptions increase again.
I mean that. I travel North Iowa every day. I don’t survey people, but I do listen. The Globe over all is a good local paper ran very well by Howard and his staff. I have only one opinion myself and that is John is the “baggage” holding this paper back. You should have kept Joe Buttweiler instead.
Second injustice was this past Wednesday where it was reported that Max Weaver was the lone vote in favor of a “gentleman’s” club in Mason City. I, as well as many others watched this meeting or attended it the night before. When the roll was called on this issue, Max Weaver was the first one called and voted AGAINST this. For the past week or two, Skipper made it his mission to stir up hate and dis-content regarding Max and this issue. Re-read it yourslf. Besides, originally there was a 4-2 vote. I did not see Skipper putting the other three in favor votes through his column or articles. No, his focus was on Max Weaver. He has been heard stating he’ll re-tire when Max Weaver is defeated. Oh John forgets one very important thing here. THE PEOPLE voted Max in. It’s up to the people to decide the truth. Not the mis-information John works towards repeatedly. He should be given a copy of your ETHICS STATEMENT. I read it.
In closing, I would again reiterate the praise for the rest of the Globe Gazette staff. This is my opinion but I believe the facts are there.
Sincerely
Chris Watts|
