http://disqus.com/by/MI456/enSat, 25 Apr 2009 13:21:55 -0000http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/mir/news/43359692.html#comment-8687254<p>"...A statement obtained by the Reporter, prepared by City Finance Director Chip Corder, gives an unvarnished view of the situation. Corder wrote that Lindell and Sterbank took on the role of whistleblowers to undermine Conrad’s authority and promote their own agendas and ambitions. There was speculation that Lindell was hoping for the city manager job herself..."</p><p>Why are we to assume/accept that THIS VERSION of the story is the "UNVARNISHED VIEW." Just because it comports with what the MI Reporter would have us all believe?!? On WHAT BASIS does the MI Reporter justify printing the SPECULATION of improper motive behind Lindell's conduct?!? Could it be that this "speculation" was provided by the very officials who are now under fire for improper conduct??? I am becoming exhausted by having to constantly gauge the bias in this paper and startled by rose-tinted glasses consistently focused on several of the Island's elected officials. </p>MI456Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:21:55 -0000http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/mir/opinion/43387917.html#comment-8599287<p>"Mr. Appelman has been long associated with campaigns of this type. Mr. Appelman, who has attended all but a handful of City Council meetings over the past decade, is more than eager, it appears, to find any way he can to discredit the city...<br>...we are not sure whether the motivation behind these actions is for better government, a more personal agenda or simply revenge."</p><p>WHAT EXACTLY is the MI Reporter suggesting in this piece??! Without identifying the nature of any "personal agenda" or REASON Mr. Appleton would have for "revenge" on the MI City Council, this opinion is nothing more than ugly innuendo against a private citizen raising legitimate questions about local public officials in light of evidence of possible misconduct in office. It's also a meaningless distraction from the real issues. If there has been an abuse of power, either covered up or tolerated in the Council chambers, the solution is not to be found in smearing the motives or reputation of citizens persistent enough to publicly demand explanations from their elected representatives.</p><p></p>MI456Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:09:50 -0000