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KNIGHT GIVES REASSURANCE TO CITIZENS - Says Chronicle Is Listening To Joe Public |
| (04/10/2003) |
| Mayor Knight is upset over media coverage in the Calhoun Chronicle and other
recent events. (See earlier story in the Herald) Knight said his administration has "Withstood unfounded media and public criticism without complaining, while staying the course for the town." During Monday's council meeting he read a lengthy statement regarding his concerns, saying he felt the necessity to give reassurance to the citizens of Grantsville and other interested parties. The statement was released yesterday after an FOIA request from the Hur Herald, after the Herald was informed the mayor did not want to release his comments, although the town was checking regarding their legal rights. Reading from a six-page statement at this weeks council meeting, he said "The city government is operating legally, efficiently and effectively and without interference or impediment of performance of duties due to any malice, misunderstandings or conflict between or among any number of its sitting membership." Knight took exception to an article in the Chronicle entitled "Grantsville Council Appoints New Council Member, Chastises Another." The article reported statements he made about Councilwoman Peggy Cain, alluding to the motives of others in the community who are now running for mayor or council. He said the Chronicle report was inaccurate, referring to his statement about Cain. Knight said the report said she "was escorted out of the establishment," but should have said "escorted out of the office." He said the Chronicle headline was also inaccurate. The council did not chastise, apparently indicating he did. Knight's statement did not address comments he angrily made during last month's meeting, but focused on problems he had with articles in the Chronicle. Knight also took exception with statements made by the Chronicle regarding police protection, which he claims were "inappropriate and ill-advised," including publishing the working hours of the single policemen, Chief Charles McCroskey. McCroskey indicated during last months council meeting he will likely resign his position. The mayor defended his police force, taking exception to a statement made by publisher Helen Morris that indicated crime is on the increase in Grantsville, information she received from "Joe public on the street." Knight said crime is down under his administration, but the newspaper alluded to the small number of arrests and convictions compared to the record of former chief (Ed Eisley.) Knight said a Chronicle's editorial "suggests that perhaps the town government is in some way not in compliance with state law." He said the town is "more in compliance with state law and code" than administrations in the past. He said in-fighting was part of most municipal councils and gave a list of thirty accomplishments during his administration. "Despite our disagreements and conflicts, we are still the most open, productive and effective city government the Town of Grantsville has seen in many years," he said. He said mistakes have always been made, but "having the resources to or inheriting the means to publish a newspaper (referring to publisher Helen Morris) does not make one an astute observer..." "We would remind the media that freedom of the press is a right and privilege in this great nation; we can support our troops past and present, by not allowing this right to be abused or exploited," he concluded. Conflicts with the media are not new to Knight. The Herald has issued several Freedom of Information requests and experienced problems over reporting council meetings. The Chronicle published lengthy letters to the editor from Knight making personal attacks against the Herald, although the Chronicle was not covering council news at the time.
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