On Wed, 26 Mar 1997, Mark Trahant wrote:
> VizFolk:
> I usually don't respond to these sorts or barbs, but in this case we have
> covered the issue. Perhaps not as well as we should have, but we certainly
> have not ignored the whole process, either.
> Frankly, it's a tough one because it is not a story that is naturally
> interesting. It's process. Further, there is no consensus on the issue.
> There is a great division between property rights and future community
> quality - making it all that more difficult to chronicle with real people
> instead of bureaucrats predictions about the future.
> FYI. We have written at least 3 front page stories since the first of the
> year, Dustin Solberg's most recent acount of the 40-acre rule.
> Moreover, is the press the only responsible entity? I have invited, more
> than once, interested parties to visit our editorial board for a discussion
> of the issue. So far nothing. The invitation is always open. There is also
> a spot for letters, op-ed pieces and other contributions. Again, almost
> nothing. Finally, the attendance at the community meetings suggests that,
> for what ever reason, the issue is not connecting with readers.
> I write this because I care. Any ideas about how we can write this so it
> will engage people is more than welcome. It's worth trying a new approach.
> But I am not sure how to do that in a way that will matter. Thanks.
>
>
> >The complete lack of coverage of this issue by the local press is nothing
> >short of scandalous. This is an issue that will affect every resident of
> >the county, both in lifestyle and in the pocketbook.
> >
> >Oh well, I honestly believe we've done everything we can to seek public
> >input despite that ineptitude. I hope we've designed a reasonable
> >compromise that will take the County into the next century, permitting some
> >rural growth without rampant development of the countryside. See you there.
> >
> >Dennis Geist
> >vice chair, LCPC
>
> Mark N. Trahant
> Editor & Publisher
> Moscow-Pullman Daily News
> 409 S. Jackson
> Moscow, Idaho 83843
> (208) 882-5561 ext. 247
> fax (208) 883-8205
> Check out our Web site: www.dnews.com
>
>
>
> *************************
>
> "I really have so much fun, I ought to be arrested."
> -- I.F. Stone, 1971
> *************************
>
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