A kick in the pants
In an ongoing effort to provide information for readers, a story in this week's issue reports wages for tax-supported entities.
Not everyone thinks this information should be shared with the public. On the other hand, it's your tax dollars paying these wages. Don't you want to know where your money is going?
Wages reported include cities, school districts, and the county. We chose not to list the names of employees, only the positions. Each reader has the opportunity to draw a conclusion about whether their tax dollars are well spent on wages.
The old saying goes: "You get what you pay for." The only opinion we'll offer is that in some instances we're paying an awful lot of money and not getting much in return. Some entities are top-heavy.
When requesting information for this story, we ran the gamut of cooperation. Some offices were more than happy to provide the figures. Other offices weren't as friendly. Most provided the information in a timely manner, as the law states. Other offices had to be badgered a few times.
The cynic wonders what these offices have to hide.
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It's not the policy of this newspaper to endorse political candidates. The closest we'll come is to say it's probably not wise to change presidents in the middle of a war. It's sort of like changing drivers while traveling 80 mph down the Interstate — not good for everyone involved.
Are folks really so apathetic about the upcoming election? We thought by now we'd be flooded with letters to the editor about the liquor-by-the-drink issue. Instead, it's been strangely quiet. Doesn't anyone have an opinion?
Those who take a logical look at the issue will see the value of passing liquor-by-the-drink in Marion County. It's an opportunity for increased revenue and economic development.
The map published a few weeks ago gave the impression Marion County is an island in the midst of more forward-thinking counties. The liquor-by-the-drink issue could be the push Marion County needs for an influx of new money.
The big message here is "get out and vote." We have the opportunity to make some changes. Those who don't vote don't have the right to complain about the outcome.
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In the world of journalism, there are certain rules of etiquette to follow. Reporters aren't supposed to disrupt meetings to ask questions or get involved in ensuing discussions.
Reporters are supposed to be unbiased and objective individuals who report on what happens at a meeting.
Those who take advantage of an informal setting or past relationships aren't doing their readers any favors. The "good ol' boy (or girl)" behavior doesn't lend itself to a reporter's ability to report the news fairly. In fact, the question of credibility becomes an issue.
We pride ourselves on our professional behavior. Our reporters are the cream of the crop and we're glad to have them.
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We've put all our eggs in one basket, gone out on a limb, and stuck out our necks (not to mention gone overboard on cliches) this week — all in one editorial.
We may not beat readers over the head with a heavy-handed opinion from week to week, but an occasional kick in the butt is in order. Consider yourselves kicked.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
