If you missed Sun Editor Jim Campanini on City Life this morning make sure to catch the replay today at 4:00 or Sunday Morning at 6:00. If you can’t make it for those hours do what I did and listen to the show online at JustinTV (I had it on in my office while working this morning)
We got a chance to see a different side of the editor, he talked about his vacation, his anniversary and his trips to Italy. Usually we just get the business side but today he was very at ease and talked about his personal time and family which was a nice side to see. I’ve only met Mr. Campanini once for about 1 minute but have talked with him via email when he has answered a few questions. It was enjoyable to hear some stories that where about him, it made him more easy to relate to.
He didn’t shy away from questions and comments about the city and here are a few of what I consider the highlights:
On the Jackie Doherty situation:
She approached the Sun willingly and did breach confidentiality. She could have gone about things differently, pointing out the Union Presidents breaching rather than doing it herself.
The Sun was the only credible site that didn’t divulge the source, Jackie did so after others forced it.
What didn’t Doherty tell us? She neglected to say what if any conditions went with the 3% and he pointed out there are 2 sides to every story.
General comments on the Sun:
He stated the Sun doesn’t go on witch hunts and doesn’t go after people. Newspapers are public watchdogs and should ask questions.
The Sun has strong professional ethics and high standards and would and will not report on any alleged wrongdoing, improprieties and other type allegations without reliable and secure sources.
On the Election Season:
Quietest he has seen
Candidates are trying to be too nice.
Some candidates may feel they don’t want to offend city hall for fear of some type of retribution.
On City Hall and the Manager:
Some Councilors feel ostracized for asking questions of the Manager
Contract empowers the Manager, Council sometimes appears to be working for him, not him working for them.
Interesting to note the Solictor hasn’t weighed in on the St. Anne’s issue because City really would lose if St. Anne’s pushed the issue.
City Manager and key department heads miss out not living in Lowell on what the real feel of the city is, they lack the sensitivity of what goes on and what the people think because they are not part of the community. Has he put it ” They miss out on being able to ask the question – What aren’t people saying?”
Why does the city not release the amount of money spent on Investigations and specifically how much has been spent with Absolute Security and with Mr. Ames deceased for a year, why can’t information be released.
Why hasn’t a councilor asked the Auditor for that information.
Why aren’t finalist for Treasurer position names being released (Sun has filed formal request)
Lowell Blogs
Lack Credibility
He’s often taken out of context
Personal attacks on people (including him)
Information is important and blogs could serve a useful purpose but need to be factual, civil and not malicious.
Those were just a few of the notes I jotted down but tune in and watch, it was interesting listening.
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