Local News

Press Talk: Of endorsements and crazy stuff

Friday, October 17 | 8:32 p.m.

Shonny Bria

Wife: I’ve got some good news and some bad news.

Husband: What’s the good news?

Wife: I found a picture that’s worth $500,000.

Husband: Wow! That’s wonderful! What’s the bad news?

Wife: It’s of you and your secretary!

We have our own version of this during endorsement season. The good news? We’ve endorsed Barack Obama. The bad news? We’ve endorsed Barack Obama.

In other words, no matter what we do with a presidential endorsement, some folks will go a little (fill in the blank.)

Four years ago when we endorsed George W. Bush, dozens of my liberal friends went a little (blank.) I’m betting my conservative friends won’t.

***

Former Columbian reporter, columnist and editorial writer Gregg Herrington landed a job as the communication guy at the Battle Ground School District. He accepted an early retirement incentive here several weeks ago and began this new gig Monday.

Probably, he barely got his journalism awards unpacked (he was a darned good reporter and columnist) when the, ah, cow dung hit the fan over there.

You’ve likely seen the stories we’ve done on it this week.

Reporter Isolde Raftery did a story that the school district was going to stick with its plan to hold a retreat at The Resort at the Mountain, a lodge near Mount Hood. Cost? Almost $3,000. This, despite the horrid economic conditions we all are in.

“Nestled in the western highlands of Mt. Hood, The Resort is a premier Oregon golf, ski and meeting resort,” its Web site says.

Not a bad couple of days in very difficult times.

The school district said the retreat wouldn’t be canceled at the resort because it would lose the deposit it had already paid.

But with the economic problems everyone is having, why would School Superintendent Shonny Bria even consider this resort stay to begin with?

Raftery, to her credit, decided to do a second story to get an answer. And that story said that Bria’s office hadn’t sensed there was a serious economic problem when they made the reservation on Sept. 23.

Huh?

On Sept. 6, we had a front-page story, “Workers in U.S. in ‘crisis economy.’”

On Sept. 7, we had a front-page story, “Mortgage giants on verge of takeover.”

On Sept. 21, we had a front-page story, “Bush proposes bailout for financial meltdown.”

And on the very day the resort reservations were made, we had a front-page story, “Congress, Bush wrangle over bailout terms.”

Now either Bria and her staff were vacationing in some other galaxy or they simply are out of touch with reality. One wonders what one doesn’t understand about the words “in crisis economy” and “financial meltdown.” Oh well.

This is the kind of thing that creates angst with taxpayers. This is our tax money.

After our first story appeared and the school district became aware that we were doing a second story, the district canceled the resort reservations. The resort managers said they’d give the money back and the retreat is now scheduled to take place at the school district office. Give Bria credit for that.

Ironically, one of the things that is being discussed at this retreat is how to deal with the press.

Here’s some free advice:

-- Be straightforward. The “we didn’t know” line never passes the smell test. When you screw up, simply admit it.

-- Take advice from Herrington. He’s a very smart guy with good instincts, Don’t know if I would have spent $100,000 a year on a communications job in these very difficult economic times, but that’s government. But now that they have done so, please let Herrington help you.

by basic truth : 10/18/08 7:59am - Report Abuse

Bill Clinton get a life.
For someone who hates the local paper so much you sure spend alot of time on their website. What a hypocrite. Where does that mean streak come from, do your kids hate you?

by Lou Brancaccio : 10/18/08 9:55am - Report Abuse

Rather than blaming the messenger (the media) why not discuss the message. Here are some questions:

* Should people accept a newspaper endorsement simply as a starting point to open up a discussion? Should newspapers even make endorsements?

* Should the Battle Ground School District have realized the economy was terrible before they made the resort reservation for its retreat?

* Even in the best of times, should governmental agencies be making resort reservations for retreats?

* Should the district have spent $100,000 a year on a communication position during terrible economic cnditions?

I'd ask that the debate be constructive and healthy. Thanks much.

by Ray rauscher jr : 10/18/08 10:43am - Report Abuse

Nice point Lou. I think the media needs to give us the facts not their oinion. I think people need to remember the president takes an oath to uphold the constitution, Barak Obama plans to change it. Taking power from the people. Before you vote this nov. find the motive and the truth.

by Lou Brancaccio : 10/18/08 10:52am - Report Abuse

Thanks Ray

by citizen 2008 : 10/18/08 3:59pm - Report Abuse

Lou, you ought to know by now, just as 'basic truth' has said above, that "Bill Clinton" loves to read your paper online, and loves to spit, vomit and *** on everything and everybody who doesn't agree with him. He's a true hypocrite (because he blasts the Columbian at every opportunity while religiously reading it, and obviously enjoying seeing his nickname enough to spend time posting about it almost every day), and you have brought up some real issues in your response which of course, most posters here wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole.

I sure agree that the BG school district should have recognized the country, and state's, economic woes before making its resort reservations, and it surely should have been willing to forfeit the deposit if necessary to avoid the appearance (and the fact) of being foolishly profligate. The BG school district has had a number of "issues" with personnel lately, and this situation doesn't surprise me, but it does anger me. I also believe newspapers should make endorsements, because (as exemplified by the recent LA Times endorsement of Obama for President) they often print very detailed and enlightening reasoning for their choice. Their readers may use the information to make an informed choice. And I for one, who have witnessed many years of both governmental and private organizations spending lavishly on resorts and conferences, especially recently, think nobody should be doing this sort of thing for their employees. There's my two cents worth, and thanks again Lou for interacting with your posters on this site.

by citizen 2008 : 10/18/08 4:02pm - Report Abuse

Just to add... of course, "Bill Clinton" and everybody else has a right to post their opinions here (even though "Bill Clinton" obviously assumes that his own opinions are FACT, while many of your other readers recognize the difference between these two concepts), and that's the primary usefulness of a newspaper or a website for a newspaper (or any blog for that matter). Keep up the good work, Lou. I don't always agree with you, but the fact you are interacting here is great!

by citizen 2008 : 10/18/08 4:29pm - Report Abuse

"Bill Clinton" opinion stated as fact: Candidates use these endorsements for political gain. If their only purpose were to "start the discussion," then the entire system of endorsements would be skipped in favor of truthful comparison pieces where the reader could discuss the truthful contents for all candidates... and we wouldn't have to deal with your failure (and it is YOUR failure) to point out the truthful negatives of any candidacy.
"Bill Clinton" opinion stated as fact: And that they apparently don't read your paper in Battle Ground seems to be something of a trend where, in fact, increasing numbers of people in this community don't Read your paper ANYWHERE. A little introspection, Mr. Brancaccio. Your bogus endorsements do play a role in that.
"Bill Clinton" opinion stated as fact: Your envy of Herrington, who makes more than you do based on your playground desire to "get" those paying him, is palpable. (conveniently ignoring that you in fact suggested at the end of your piece that BG should actually listen to Herrington)... and on and on and on ad nauseum...

Lou, your patience with these posters like "Bill Clinton", who is the most frequent and most mean-spirited of all of them, is very admirable. That you don't come in here and blast him off the planet is to be commended. But then again, Lou, you are in the business of free speech. Again, my thanks and respect to you.

by Lou Brancaccio : 10/18/08 4:50pm - Report Abuse

Thanks again all. Of course it's always better to have a constructive discussion but I realize that's not always possible. I do try to listen and learn from everyone.

by Come On : 10/18/08 9:57pm - Report Abuse

This is a great insight to Lou B. The insecurity and awkwardness of his writing almost makes one miss his passive aggressiveness. Unfortunately, I read the whole thing. Ugh.

Herrington, of course, is respected throughout Clark County and beyond for his independent and well-reasoned voice. Unlike Lou B., he could put forth a well-written and thoughtful column. Agree or disagree, one always had respect for his intelligent arguments. Hey Lou, the folks of the Northwest are hardworking no nonsense folks.

And, wasn't it Herrington who, among many things. shined the light on what is now our national problem of placing the survival of industry on the backs of taxpayers. Of course, that is something Scott Campbell and Lou Brancaccio don't want to mention in print these days.

by Chris Rust : 10/18/08 10:22pm - Report Abuse

Going on a retreat to Mt. Hood for $2900 isn't any more objectionable than having a superintendent who receives $11,000 per year for "driving expenses" (Columbian, Aug 14 2008) Most folks bear the cost of getting to and from work themselves (and can do so for much less than $1000 per month). Paying 100,000 for a public information officer in a district that routinely gets sideways with the public isn't any more objectionable than a district where the superintendent has a combined compensation package that exceeds $175,000 annually. (By comparison, the superintendent of Seattle Public Schools has a base salary of $177,000)

Not knowing that the economy is in dire straights isn't surprising for entities that depend on taxes which are paid regardless of economic conditions. The only surprise is that the superintendent admits it.

by Declining Circulation : 10/18/08 10:25pm - Report Abuse

EG, you get what you pay for. That's why I don't subscribe to the Columbian.

by Downward Spiral : 10/18/08 11:46pm - Report Abuse

Could someone put Koenninger's column out front. His piece defending the city is hilarious. So, Hoss the city is in trouble for racial discrimination and you defend it by calling it the "cradle of EUROPEAN civilization." Good Lord man, we all know the Columbian is in a precarious place with city government right now but, gosh. that is almost comical if Pollard wasn't mayor.

by Good Lord : 10/18/08 11:53pm - Report Abuse

LOL Lou, you dinosauer. So I'm checking out stories on Scott Campbell's website and ya know there were some fine comments on the Jeff Mize article about blogging, and holy cow, that story isn't here no more. Hmmmm.

by Penny Schinke : 10/19/08 12:45am - Report Abuse

Lou, sorry you didn't get my first post. I was complimentary, honest, and I also answered each of your above questions. It wasn't any longer than BC's editorials. But, evidently, it didn't pass the Webmaster's test.

I'll try again.

Thank you for participating in the discussions. You try to do a good job as an editor, I'm sure. Editors are responsible for what gets on the editorial pages, whether they write it or someone else does, but the editor doesn't necessarily agree with everything that gets on those pages. Editorials are by definition the expressing of opinions and/or perspectives. Newspapers have given endorsements all through history. An endorsement is, in a way, only one opinion/perspective...not the 11th commandment.

I'm a subscriber who reads The Columbian daily, and I respond to articles/editorials/letters that draw my interest. The Sunday Editorial Section is usually pretty even politically. I enjoy "cheers and jeers", your Saturday column and, usually, Elizabeth.

As for your above questions: 1. No one should accept a newspaper's endorsement, or a movie star's/rock singer's/athlete's either. Yeah, read it, or listen to them, but opinions are just that, an opinion..nothing written in stone. If a perspective voter doesn't have the self esteem/mental health to think, and decide, for him/her self, should they even be voting in the first place? 2 & 3. NO..and especially if The People's tax money is abusively involved. A retreat is 1. a military withdrawal to a better position, or in defeat. 2. an area/space where one can be alone. 3. a withdrawal for prayer/study/meditation. If you need to discuss business, educational/governmental/financial, then call a meeting, not a playtime. Tax payers and consumers frown on these "retreats", especially, when they look so much like the c-r-a-p that Wall St. has pulled. And, 4...why on earth does a school need a communicator for $100,000, or even $1,000? Can't the Principal and other school officials talk for themselves? This kind of expense will be remembered when the next school levy comes up, I'm sure.

Now, Lou, you are doing a good job...but about these missing comments, and articles/editorials/LttE that are missing along with the comments about them. Yeah, there are some people who take advantage, but most of us just want discussion, like you say you want. We don't want to lose the ability to make "comments" again, so MOST of us have been behaving ourselves. Could you, please, look into the missing stuff? BTW, you might compliment responses that are well thought out, even if they don't agree with yours...it encourages discussion. Thank you...good night.

by Lou Brancaccio : 10/19/08 10:04am - Report Abuse

Thanks Penny. And all others as well. Not sure what happened to your earlier comments but apparently, they are here now. Felt like I have complimented others even if I didn't agree with them. But here it is again. Thanks all for the discussion and exchange. If you look at my column, then look at the "Come On" response you can see how what he says isn't supported by the facts. In my column I said Gregg was a 'darn good reporter and columnist." I went on to say "he's a smart guy with good instincts." And I asked the school district to listen to him. And somehow "Come On" speak of his respect for Gregg as though I didn't. Of course the facts are the facts for everyone to see.

I did go on to ask if this was a good time to fill a $100,000 a year communication job. That has nothing to do with Gregg. That has to do with whomever ended up in the job.

All I ask is that the conversation be constructive. No need to be mean. Debate the issue, the message. Not the messenger. Thanks!

by Chris Rust : 10/19/08 10:09am - Report Abuse

Thanks Lou for helping to keep the conversation focused and constructive. It encouraged me to abandon my reluctance to participate.

by Lou Brancaccio : 10/19/08 10:14am - Report Abuse

You're welcome Educated Guess.

To your point on sometimes being reluctant to participate. That's the problem with mean comments. They keep those who want to have a good discussion away. And "Good Lord." You say the story on blogging isn't there. But I keep finding it under local news. I've been called worse than a dinosauer Good Lord but why do it at all? Why the name calling?

by Johnny B Good : 10/21/08 10:01pm - Report Abuse

Lou, thanks for being so open on this subject. I know their is a building lack of trust towards the Columbian for thier strong support for Pollard and a strong liberal swing in the past few years. Also, it seems like you are so quick to pounce on schools (who may deserve it) and not cover the very poor management in your own house. The Columbian is discarding long term employees with little regard. The fact that the city was/is considering purchasing your new building should be front page outrage in this economy. Just be fair and conssitent. Thank you!

by Lou Brancaccio : 10/24/08 1:47pm - Report Abuse

Thanks Johnny. Not sure if you're a regular reader of The Columbian but we've had two front page stories on the city considering buying The Columbian building.

by Rock VanHalen : 10/25/08 2:47pm - Report Abuse

be easy on lou...by the looks of his pic. (why do news people and real estte people have to hae their pics on crap?) anyway...looks like hes nearing retirement, good looking fellow, just old. so be nice ..or dont. the columbian is the finest paper in the u s of a baby. i think comments myseriously dissapeare when they "merge" articals or it gets moved cuz after 400 days we dont care about a ciggerette smoking local girl who likes the beatles. p.s. i dont care about my grammer, spelling ect so if you wnt to fine, like lou im nearing retirement and dont give a rats what anyone thinks.

by dee little : 10/26/08 8:43pm - Report Abuse

ROCK:

I don't care about your grammAr, either. You're not the professional here, and English isn't the Tool of your Trade. Well...not here, anyway.

by dee little : 10/26/08 8:58pm - Report Abuse

ROCK:

I don't care about your grammAr, either. You're not the journalism professional around here....I suppose, anyway >g<

by dee little : 10/26/08 8:59pm - Report Abuse

im beginning to hate the webmaster here