I am a straight shooter. That is how I am and how I will always be. Some people don’t like that about me, but I call things the way I see them.
I believe that Mayor Stoner wakes up everyday thinking of how she can make Tyrone a better place. Do I agree with the way things are done? Not always. The lady does have her heart in the right place.
For the longest time, The Daily Herald has provided everyone the opportunity to state their opinion.
There have been a few simple rules: Say what you feel you need to say; don’t call anyone any names; and don’t write anything that could cause a lawsuit. Last but not least, sign your name.
That policy is being reviewed right now.
The people of Tyrone screamed that the Talk Back feature that we used to have was not fair because people could say what they wanted but never had to put their name to it. We listened and eliminated Talk Back.
When I write a commentary or story, I put my name on it. I take responsibility for what I have to say.
People disagree with what I have to say. That is part of life and especially a part of this job. If I took every comment, positive or negative, personally, I would never sleep because the stress of pleasing everyone all the time would have me up all night.
When you enter a public job, be it the editor of a newspaper, a coach or a local politician, you don’t take things personally. Do you think John Franco stays up at night thinking about what the people said in the crowd during the game? If he is up at night, he is evaluating what happened in the game, and what he can do to help a player improve.
The job of our newspaper is to report what we witnessed. The Daily Herald does that. We attend most of the borough council meetings, we attend the school board meetings. Other newspapers call the next day and only get what officials want to put out.
When you have a public job, don’t take criticism personally.
If have learned anything in the six months that I have been reporting news, is that this sweet little community is far from it. If something doesn’t go the way someone wants it to, the answer is to complain.
Snyder Township residents didn’t like the fact that Pyramid Healthcare has a facility in Bald Eagle. The facility is there. Do you think the residents are doing what they can to help these kids have a better chance in life? No. They are looking for a mistake to be made so they can scream to the heavens that something is wrong and the facility must go.
Can you imagine the pressure on the counselors at Greentree Village? Not only do they have to do their best to help kids, some who don’t want the help, but they have to face the constant scrutiny of the NIMBYs (Not in my back yard) that surround the place.
Some people write Letters to the Editor that are their interpretations of what is happening. They aren’t based on facts. Some letters are calling for a revolution. The funny thing is, when you call for a revolution, you normally know what you are revolting against. Mr. (Dan) Meckes has yet to attend a meeting of council or school board since I have been the editor. If you are leading the revolution and calling for people to stand up, I should see you on some Monday nights in the coming weeks.
People are screaming for the 75 folks who have applied for housing rehabilitation help from Tyrone Borough. The funny thing is I haven’t had the opportunity to meet any of those 75 people at the meetings where your representatives decide what to do with your tax dollars.
I have witnessed more back biting, whining and yelling in the past six months than I had in the 35 previous years of my life.
Friendly community. Sure when all goes well.
When things don’t go according to plan, then the back biting begins.
My hat is off to the people who have the guts to fight for what they believe in. I believe that there should be opposing viewpoints. Debate is what makes this country great.
I watched Hannity and Colmes last night. They are on the opposite end of the political spectrum. They disagree on almost every topic they discuss. The thing that makes this debate great is they are informed when they discuss things.
When you don’t take the time to watch your government in action, you can’t be truly informed. I look forward to seeing the 75 people who have applied for housing rehab at Monday’s council meeting. I look forward to observing the people who have other ideas for the community state their case. I can’t wait to report on those meetings that have comments from the public, not just a couple who attend.
Some may disagree with the few that attend the meetings, but at least they are there and they are informed of the proceedings.
When you go to the ballot box for the May primary and you haven’t witnessed the council or school board or township supervisors in session, how can you make an informed decision? Make your vote the most informed vote you have ever cast. Observe what happens and make an informed decision.
I do want to hop on my soap box for a minute. I was watching that a former Marine that served in Operation Desert Storm is leading a group of people to Baghdad to become human shields in case of a war between the United States and Iraq. He renounced his citizenship and is now a peace activist.
In my eyes, that man is in the same capacity of Timothy McVeigh. They are traitors to the United States of America. When you take the oath to become a member of the military, you swear to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign or domestic. He is an enemy of the state, and if he ever steps foot on American soil again, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent.
I will be in front of my television at 9 p.m. watching the State of the Union address from the president. It is just another way to get informed.
Take a moment and read over this commentary again. Take it for what it is worth. One person’s opinion. If you see it as a challenge, that is great. If you see it as something to line the cat box with, again that is great. No matter what you decide, I am not going to take it personally.
Enjoy your week and I hope to see you Monday or Tuesday at a council meeting or a school board meeting near you.
