Editorial

Why did I print the e-mails?

As always with every decision made at the Monument Newspaper, the foremost question is: how does this serve the citizens? When I learned about the citizen reaction to a non-publicized meeting, it reflected both the worst and the best in government and newpapering; the citizens were excluded from the opportunity to see and hear what went on at a gathering of public officials, but they mobilized to speak about the events as they understood them.

I wanted to offer the opportunity for people to read for themselves what took place, so I printed the e-mail that began it all. This gives you a chance to compare The Monument's report with Ray Clark's e-mail overview of the Thursday Pennell meeting. I also printed most of the e-mails that I was able to obtain and that also gives you a chance to read for yourself what your peers are saying and how they are saying it. All e-mails sent to government officials are public, except those related to executive session material, and those are narrowly prescribed in State Law.

Newspaper accounts between The Monument Newspaper and the Gray News differ in this case because the editor of the Gray News is spearheading the political effort to raise money to refurbish Pennell Institute.

The Monument relies on good, old fashioned newsgathering techniques and documents of record to keep our reporting more objective. We do not have a stake in the outcome, and that always results in a more neutral article.|

We do, however, have an intense interest in supporting citizens in their quest to engage with government. The more people freely participate in democracy, the better. To those of you who are working hard to prevail in your positions, great. Other venues to make yourselves heard are letters to the Editor in The Monument Newspaper, speaking at Council meetings, and sending correspondence to Council. And, of course, buttonholing them on the street always works.

Documents are public, so if you want to obtain the minutes of a meeting so that you can read for yourself what happened, e-mail a councilor or the town manager to make the request, or give a call to town office. Videos of regular Council meetings are stored at the Gray Public Library, and available for checkout.

Also, any citizen may record any meeting, as long as the act of recording does not interfere with the proceedings. Documents passed out at meetings or mentioned at meetings are public, and copies may be obtained.

Get the facts, form your opinion, and then go for it. The Monument will be here to report on what happens next.

Editor Elizabeth Prata can be reached at editor@monumentnews.com