Edgar Co. (ECWd) –
If you were to attend a county board meeting one day, then read the local paper the next, you might be shocked depending on which paper you read. In this case you would be shocked by both papers! One for the content of the reporting and the other for no reporting on the same issue.
During this week’s county board meeting both local papers had their reporters present. You may recall that the Prairie Press recently expressed their opinion that they don’t see any corruption in Edgar County. (Click here for our response on that subject)
During this meeting I spoke about the recent Attorney General Opinion regarding the Airport’s violation of the Freedom of Information Act. They basically outlined that the Airport not only violated FOIA but also failed to provide the Attorney General with the documents they asked for. (Click here for copy of Attorney General letter)
Now I don’t know about most people, but I believe it is a safe bet that a letter from the Attorney General outlining how the county violated the law…….again, just might be of interest to the public.
Have we forgotten a man died in a plane crash that has yet to have the cause determined? Or that we have two airplanes that were spray painted with personal messages directed at the father of the deceased pilot, Rusty Bogue, and then firebombed, which is still an unsolved arson. Or the fact we have uncovered proof of multiple bank accounts and CDs of which key people tried to claim never existed?
All of these matters point to corruption in this county. You see when it is clear people are breaking the law and nothing is done about it, it is corruption. A person doesn’t have to be convicted to be a party to corruption. Jimmy Wells, the former airport manager, has not been convicted of anything…………yet, but it is clear he has been a party to covering up the truth as it relates to matters at the airport.
The Attorney General letter is yet another example that points to corruption in this county, and even though I encouraged reporting of that matter during the meeting, we see in this week’s Prairie Press there was nothing covered. Not one word to let the people know of the AG confirmed violations of the law at our county airport. I expected nothing less as those same reporter has been present for all of the airport corruption exposure of the last 2 years and have failed to report on most of it. What they did report on they got completely wrong. (Click here for a fair number of Airport articles!)
With that being said, I greatly appreciated the fact the Paris Beacon reporter not only ensured the public was made aware of the news from the Attorney General, but the fact she asked for a copy of the letter so that she could report the truth!
When the media refuses to report the events of wrongdoing by its government they can no longer be trusted.
Video of County Board Meeting – My comments begin at the 6:35 mark
4 Comments
Cyndy
Posted at 20:32h, 06 JanuaryThe family of Rusty Bogue has not forgotten he died in that plane crash after months of harassment by a “select few!” We have not forgotten about the fire-bombed planes, the CD’s, and the lies! Only those with evil hearts fear the truth! Keep searching for answers!
Bill Woodward
Posted at 23:01h, 12 DecemberWell, at least we now know what NOT to expect of Nancy Roberts Garrett – what ever her name is, now. Just another “go-along and get-along” enabler. Too bad. She still has the opportunity to affect needed, positive change in Edgar County. Instead, the silence or absence of the Prairie Press on matters relative to holding government officials accountable in Edgar County remains notable. Sadly, it is also part and parcel of the problem – ignoring the obvious. Consequently, those who continue to use the people and the resources of Edgar County to further their own interests will continue to do so, unchecked, unless people who have been blessed with the ability to challenge – start challenging, or at least bringing issues to the forefront. Anyone can write feel-good stories and sit on the fence.
It’s time for some journalism, Nancy. Get to it. That’s what you’re supposed to be about. I’m sure you remember why you originally got into “reporting.” Get some journalistic ethics and at least start asking tough questions AND SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH. You owe it to your readers and to the citizens of Edgar County. And, while you’re at it, enable some POSITIVE change in your newspaper and tell your staff to get on the clue train. Tell them to employ some investigative prowess and start REPORTING.
I know that you know it needs to be done.
Dave
Posted at 22:16h, 12 December“In a time of universal deceit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act” – George Orwell
ECWDogs
Posted at 20:52h, 12 DecemberWho can you trust? Those who ignore, or those who report… http://t.co/dBYdEaHZLL