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Now that we have your attention
This newspaper stands behind its editorials of Jan. 20 and 21 relating to the purchase of a new truck for the code enforcement officer, and we appreciate the openness of the discussion that's taken place since then.
Both were not news articles, but clearly positioned as the opinion of the editor.
The bid information referred to in the Jan. 20 editorial is directly from the information posted on the city's Web site at the time. The editorials were never critical of the wisdom of the purchase itself but questioned whether the procedures used to do so were appropriate. In fact, the Jan. 21 follow-up said we felt it was a good purchase for the city despite the purchasing irregularity. Council members all had the same opportunity to comment during the open meeting, having been put on notice in writing in the Jan. 20 editorial that we'd be listening -- but only Interim City Manager Harlan Moore, Councilman Tim Wells and Mayor Mike Hutchens chose to do so. Councilmember Joyce Wilson chose not to speak at that time; nevertheless, we appreciate her willingness to speak, now.
Let me explain. Pardon the cliché, but the city's staff and elected officials serve the public and are spending the public's money, so the public has a right to know what the city's doing and how they're doing it. Period.
Newspapers can no more determine the level of public trust there is in the community toward any entity except itself than they can bring about economic prosperity or put an end to racial division or world hunger. Those issues are in the hands of public entities, non-profits, businesses -- you know, the people.
Newspapers can, however, stimulate discussion in the hope of finding better practices, urge open and communicative government and inform the public about what's going on and how they can help, hopefully empowering the people -- those who govern, and those who are governed, to make the world they live in a better place.
Lynn A. Wade
Regional Managing Editor
Nevada Daily Mail/Fort Scott Tribune/Herald-Tribune/She magazine
131 S. Cedar St.
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 667-3344 ext. 41
P.S. In January, at the time of writing, "good" news has taken the lion's share of the Nevada Daily Mail's reporters' time.
This newspaper has published 42 stories about positive things on its front pages, relating to Nevada, Vernon County, or the people living in them. There were eight tragedies or court-related stories reported on the front pages and four Year-In-Review stories. Fifteen other stories about things like audits, fee increases and so forth also were reported on the front pages.
There were a few items that were simply announcements; I didn't count those. I'd say this community has heard quite a bit of good news lately.
And as always, we appreciate your comments and suggestions.