• Originally published July 18, 2008 at 8:53 p.m., updated July 18, 2008 at 8:53 p.m.

I've read the editorial page religiously throughout the years. I've probably agreed as much as I have disagreed with some of their views.

I believe that my knowledge in the field of journalism is sufficient to comment on the important issues, we as community, face today; in college, my major was journalism with a minor in political science. Granted, I did not graduate from college, but I learned enough about how reporters work on reporting the news, the tools available for them to work, and the effort put forth to do the job required of them.

The story on the indictments of the mayor, the chief of police, and the lieutenant are of a very critical nature.

Coverage of anything dealing with an elected official or a public servant has to be handled with kid gloves. I truly believe the work on this story has been handled very professionally.

Has Mayor Will Armstrong overstepped his position by saying the indictments were politically motivated. His words are a slap in the face at each member of the grand jury.

Keep in mind that it’s these very individuals who he asked to vote for him. Talk about hypocritical? He needs to apologize and allow these folks who give of their time and effort to do the work expected of them.

Chief Bruce Ure’s work ethics have been questioned and investigated by the proper authorities. The court of public opinion needs to step aside and allow the court of his peers decide his guilt or innocence. Police Lt. Ralph Buentellos’ actions as a peace officer are being scrutinized by individuals on merits of the indictments. Time will allow for his capabilities and decisions to be examined and whether or not he was duped into this or any other times without probable cause. The main factor being missed in all of this is crystal clear. Victoria has a very limited journalistic field. Folks should not be quick to judge those in this demanding field; allow those reporting to bring you the news to the best of their ability, and you may be surprised at what comes out. Credibility in reporting is hard to accomplish when those in the wrong work at throwing up a shield on their behalf. Reserve judgment on those who attempt to deliver the truth and place those questioned under the microscope.

It’s scary when you observe our elected officials rubber-stamping what they are presented with. The “good ol’ boy" melodramas are in the past; we entrust our elected officials to keep our best interest at heart, rather than protecting the round table members.

My point is that this council voted to pay legal fees of the city officials and servants, with the understanding that if indicted they would repay the fees to the city. If convicted, they will present the feeling-sorry syndrome and vote to side step the repayment because they (those indicted) have been through too much hardship. Then again, when have you heard of any local politician being caught with his hand in the cookie jar and facing prosecution.

 

Hector Deases is a businessman and resident of Victoria.

• Print
• •
• Share
  • Share this item

    Send this to a friend

    Share on FaceBook

  • Grab the link

    Copy and paste the link:

  • Blog about it

    Blog about this page.

  • Close
• •
• Post a Comment
• •
• Favorite
• •
• Report error
  • Thank you for your submission.
    Error report or correction

    Contact name (optional) Contact phone/e-mail (optional)  

    
  • Close
• •