An unequal press?

A couple weeks ago, I wrote the editor of the Herald-Press asking for equal time to the Mayor's weekly article.  Considering this town's conservative roots, I was expecting to be turned down and sure enough, the Herald Press didn't disappoint.  Prior to my request being brushed aside, the paper's editor wrote a very pointed editorial about a fair and equal press.  She went out of her way to describe how newspapers shouldn't choose sides between political parties, unfortunately, actions speak louder than words.

In her explanation to me, she emphasized this was not a political article, it was "the Mayor's article."  Now I don't believe a seasoned editor would be naive enough or consider me naive enough to believe Mayor Steve is a non-political figure holding a non-political office.  To the contrary, Mayor Steve has politicized the office to a degree in which most political machines would be envious of.  Maybe she hasn't been in town long enough to realize the extent in which Mayor Steve runs his political office?  Do any of these non-political rants by Mayor Steve ring familiar:  Little Taliban, terrorists, "get out of town" and "if you don't like it, move!"

The Herald Press is a private organization and can run their business the way they see fit and print what they want.  And since actions speak louder than words, I can assume the Herald Press wants only Republican readers, Republican advertisers and those advertisers want only Republican customers.  I never anticipated the response I've had to my website but my guess is, I should be thanking the Herald Press.

Comments

[Susan B Anthony]

The Herald Press is playing a losing game. The intent of their bias is obvious and will lead to both economic and moral defeat. The answer is easy and involves returning to the primary responsibility of any newspaper which is its readers. If the editor refuses this duty, sites like this will prosper. That seems to be exactly what is taking place and she only has herself to blame.

[pimp daddy paul]

are you the mayor of andrews?did someone vote you into an office in howard county that anyone in huntington county would want to read about.steve updike was voted in by a wide margin over democrats and republicans alike.most would say he is doing the best he can with what he has to work with.if you would like to have your own column - run for mayor or start your own newspaper.if i want to hear what you have to say-i support your sponsors so i can look on here to read what you have to say.

[Cletus W. Trabengeisten]

I really don't think that most people would agree that he is doing the best with what he has to work with. A good leader surrounds himself/herself with good people. Steve did not do that. He also is a terrible public speaker, which adds to his public perception of being a buffoon.

[Charles Mingus]

snyder

DQ...first st....2pm tomorrow...only offer

[Charles Mingus]

let me know

[G]

Chawee

Thank you, I look forward to it

[Justin Miller]

"most would say he is doing the best he can with what he has to work with."

hahahaha

[Chad T]

So I guess none of the current problems in Huntington were inherited from the last administration. Such as the sewer and water issues, or personnel issues that keep occurring.

[J.L.("Jay") Rinehart]

In reference to an unequaled press, your headline for the story is valid and vastly correct. Huntington Politics is in fact unequaled! A person subscribes to a newspaper and gets half of the news, so shouldn't they be entitled to a fifty percent rebate? Huntington Political News attempts to provide the full story and without any charge what so ever! So why pay full money to get half the story when you can pay no money and get the full story??? Gee.. Let's think about this~

[J.L.("Jay") Rinehart]

In response to Chad T, I would like to state in all fairness that everything that we're trying to financially digest at present is not, I repeat is NOT the sole doing of the current administration, and should not even be speculated to be.

When Mr.Updike accepted the Mayors position, he in fact DID inherit a LOT of dirty dishes which the prior administration preferred to pass on rather than deal with. The sewer project is mandated by state, and therefore leaves the Mayor absolutely no choice in the matter.

The project should have been well under way when he accepted the position, but I can't help but think the prior administration thought that moving forward would have diminished their chances for re election.