Dear Editor
This letter is in response to the April 6 column, From This Corner, in the Battlefords Regional Optimist.
Editor Becky Doig accuses the City of being reluctant in releasing information about the CUPlex vandals. The City issued a news release and if the editor had taken the time to read it, she may have noted, "Obtaining security and insurance is the responsibility of the general contractors who were hired to construct the CU Plex components." The onus was not on the City and there was and still is a police investigation ongoing. Nonetheless, Doig inquired and we did not hesitate to give her an interview, immediately. As Doig put it, "nothing was held back. The information just wasn't volunteered." I have to wonder then, what is the real issue and when did newspapers start depending on information being "volunteered?"
I would like respond to another statement made in the same column. "We try not to ruffle any feathers over at City Hall." We respect fair and balanced stories written about the City, but sometimes editorials are another thing. We have attempted to correct Doig over false statements and petty digs she has made in the newspaper and online. She has, as a result, admitted to "eating crow" on more than one occasion.
Being critical and opinionated in columns is fair game - that is what an editorial is all about. Common sense though, in my opinion, would be to get your facts straight before articulating your criticism.
Mike Halstead
Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator
City of North Battleford
