Am I the best investigative reporter in Salem?

Just got a nice compliment from James M. Schultz, who left this Facebook comment about my blog post Truth Bomb: "The Statesman Journal newspaper is failing Salem."

A number of years back, I decided never to buy another StatesmanJournal newspaper as long as Dick Hughes was there. I have my reasons, and many of them parallel Mr. Hines' reasons here; I just tend to view him as arrogant and self-righteous.

As for the SJ's investigative reporters, I don't know if they just aren't up to the job or if they are good reporters whose work the editors quash -- whether to please their corporate masters, or their Chamber of Commerce overlords, or whatever. I tend to believe the latter -- those in charge keep them under control in order to avoid offending their corporate bosses, the C of C, or the City Council (which, after all, is pretty much hand-picked by the C of C.)

But regardless, solely on the basis of what we get to see in print, I think Mr. Hines is the best investigative reporter currently writing in Salem. Keep it up; as you said, the SJ has definitely failed us and continues to do so.

Well, thanks James. You might be right, but for reasons that don't make me as proud as I would be if the Investigative Reporter Competition in this town was fairly run.

Like Mr. Schultz said, methinks, along with him, that Statesman Journal reporters are leashed quite tightly by newpaper executives when they start to tread into territory Where The Wild Truth Lies.

Namely, how the Salem-Area Chamber of Commerce does its best to run this town with the willing (money talks!) compliance of the City Council and city officials. 

Isn't it interesting how the Statesman Journal will investigate, to offer one example, the Willamette ESD obsessively, yet ignores malfeasance at City Hall -- even when an investigative report is handed to them on a journalistic platter?

James, I'm sure you'll be interested in my upcoming Truth Bomb about the journalistic ethical missteps of editorial page editor Dick Hughes. I'll share some previously unshared information about complaints I filed against him with the Gannett Corporation, and how this turned out.

Comments

[Gail Warner]

Michael Davis described members of Scott Bassett's campaign as "conspiracy theorists" when several of us dared to question Silberman's ties with the Chamber, blanket endorsements of Chamber candidates, and studious indifference to letters to the Statesman pointing out issues that were germane to the election.

Thanks for your continued interest in pointing out the flaws of the biased news wasteland known as the Statesman Journal. I wish more residents had ready access to HinesSight and Salem Weekly.

[Walker]

The only emperor penguin in the Sahara is the best Emperor penguin in the Sahara.

[Jim Scheppke]

You're pretty damn good Brian. Keep it up!

Sarah Epstein in the Salem Weekly is pretty good too, especially this week:

http://www.willamettelive.com/2014/news/salem-city-council-appears-dodge-oregon-law/

[Kurt]

It is about time someone noticed what is going on in this city. When Janet Taylor was first elected, I told the other side that it had become even more important to be involved but they played dead. The way the current Mayor and certain councilors treat those who speak out is outrageous. I truly admired Mayor Swaim's ability to treat people with respect even when they acted like fools or strongly disagreed with his positions. His humanity (and humility), coupled with a clear understanding of the proper role of those who govern is sorely missed. Time is now ripe for change. I am looking forward to seeing successful actions from caring and visionary persons like yourself and Curt Fisher and the next Mayor of the City of Salem - Tom Anderson.