Alachua County Today

To "The Good Life Community"

Thank You to all the wonderful volunteers, staff, police officers and parents that came to support the young ladies.

In talking with parents and coaches from each team they all said what a beautiful city Alachua was, how friendly the people were, how well the tournament was run and the Hal Brady Rec. center was outstanding, and no, I was not twisting their arms.

And to Hal Brady himself, your love and dedication to Alachua recreation has made us a nationally recognized destination for youth sports.  Thank you for your friendship and passion to our community.

Gib Coerper

Mayor, City of Alachua

Jobs report spin

The most recent jobs report has been categorized as: (1) a continuing move in the right direction for the economy’s improvement or (2) a kick in the gut to the middle class.

Of course the Democrats are hyping the former while the Republicans are dwelling on the latter.  So what is the correct way to look at the news?

Let’s face it, politicians (and the media, depending on what side they are on) spin (a/k/a promote falsehoods) any news that they feel will benefit them.  What story (or how one spins that story) will most likely bring them votes and get them into office.  Of course getting into office is their livelihood/their JOB/that which pays them.

Based upon that breaking news the stock market rose in excess of 217 points: a very sizable gain.  People who buy and sell stocks do so with a view to the future.  If you buy stocks you think things will improve.  If you sell you have a bleaker view of the economy.

So it seems that those who put their money where their mouth is think the economy will improve.  But those who put their mouth where their money comes from (Republicans) see only the negative.

Thomas R. Weller

High Springs, Fla.

Journalism/honorable behavior

Published pubic information by media meeting reasonable professional standards is a serious problem.  A major percentage of the American public feels the media has a strong bias with unbalanced reporting of the news.  News organizations, large and small, often find themselves faced with differences with individuals and government.  This requires honest and accurate information.

I have studied and watched closely reporters as they collect information and the individuals they use as resources.  The written story based on these resources can bring strange interpretations of the facts.  This is not just an occasional circumstance; it is the norm.  Unbalanced bias intent is often a major feature of a Front Page.   The editor or publisher is the sole responsible factor in this activity.

Martha Gellhorn, an experienced and dedicated journalist once said “serious, careful, and honest journalisms is essential, not because it is a guiding light but because it is a form of Honorable Behavior, involving the reporter and the reader.”  When reporting events and information concerning government, a reporter’s responsibility is to engage and report all sides of an issue.   Fact checking is essential and involves a follow-up with all involved.   Not only is this professional it is common sense.   The editor or publisher needs to insist that this is policy.

Some media organizations have the reputation of changing facts after the reporter has followed appropriate procedures.  This is unfair to the reporter and is bias intent.   If any problems explained in this article keep repeating by local media organizations, the community should insist on corrective action.

A recent event suggests that “The Alachua County Today” weekly newspaper enforces a policy of Honorable Behavior without Bias Intent in publishing local news.   The High Springs Commission has directed its attorney to communicate to “Alachua Today” to publish a correction concerning a false negative story about High Springs Government information in its newspaper.

Robert Hallman

High Springs, Fla.

Remember Roberta Lopez on Election Day

I know one candidate well. She is Roberta Lopez, running for Alachua County Commissioner, District One. Roberta is a problem solver who searches for practical solutions, and does not stop until she's found them.  A twice-elected commissioner of her hometown, Archer, she fought for clean water, and since, for sewers, to make the city more viable.

Roberta had a vision: to provide a community center for citizens of all ages to use and enjoy. After years of hard work, and after inspiring others to help make it possible, Roberta's dream is now a reality. Her energetic leadership will benefit Alachua County, also.

Ann Brown

Archer, Fla.