*UPDATE* - It turns out that Overstreet, proclaiming on Facebook that he’s focusing on the issues, hasn’t called back reporter Zoe Fraley for the candidate Q&A interviews we do. It’s the one opportunity he’ll have to get his message out to so many people all at once. Unless, of course, he doesn’t want more people to learn about his positions. He has until noon tomorrow to contact her. Overstreet has also been called by me to find out why he’s so concerned about me getting his personnel file.
*UPDATE* - It appears that Overstreet is also using the records request as a way to solicit campaign donations from people - making it out as if this is a personal attack, which it’s not. It’s the job of a reporter. Does this mean Overstreet isn’t interested in being held accountable?
The Whatcom County Republican Party are spreading accusations that I’m biased and picking on Republican Jason Overstreet because I made a public records request for his personnel file with the city of Seattle.
Overstreet, a Blaine City Council member, is also a Seattle fire fighter.
On Facebook today, the Republicans posted, first, what looks to be a document that is super tiny that might be a records information sheet provided to Overstreet. Then they said “When the media can’t attack you on the issues, they go after your personnel file.”
In a follow-up, the party, I assume Chairwoman Luanne Van Werven as she appears to control the Facebook page, wrote:
Sam Taylor of the Bellingham Herald makes public disclure request for personnel file of candidate Jason Overstreet. Do ya think he also requested the personnel file of Jason’s democrat opponent?
The answer is, of course I did.
This is the first election I’ve had here where the two likely general election opponents are both public employees. That means my normal background checks also get to include checking personnel files with city governments.
Not only did I request Democrat Al Jensen’s personnel file, I requested it first and about a month before I requested Overstreet’s.
The city of Bellingham took three and a half weeks to provide me with the documents, but they eventually provided somewhere around 240 pages of Jensen’s file. I’m still reviewing it. And I have yet to receive Overstreet’s.
If someone runs for public office, they better expect me to look into their background. I do it every single election. It’s nothing new and I’ll never stop. Voters have a right to know as much information as possible about the people that they’re going to have representing them. If the Whatcom Republicans don’t want people to know Overstreet’s background, that’s too bad.
As usual, the Republicans are trying to sow some type of odd rumor about me being biased.
They’re wrong again.
July 27th, 2010 at 9:39 AM
Best headline ever.
July 27th, 2010 at 9:42 AM
Looks like you can forget about receiving advanced notice for future Tea Party events, Sammy.
July 27th, 2010 at 9:49 AM
Republicans are so paranoid.
July 27th, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Paranoid usually for good reason…
Interesting campaign tactic though, start attacking the press before the press says anything….which would make me look all the harder…makes one think there might be something the man doesn’t want us to see…
or back to Trixi’s posit….
July 27th, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Insular. The local Republicans are very insular, while the Democratic party here puts just about everything online, and gives out lots of information about how you can get involved and be part of the process.
July 27th, 2010 at 10:07 AM
“reality has a well-known liberal bias”
July 27th, 2010 at 10:22 AM
Oh man, I normally would pay good money to hear stories of self humiliation like this one. Give them a while to respond Sam. They have to get their foot out of their mouth first.
July 27th, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Thanks Sam. For doing due diligence in checking candidates backgrounds and for reporting on the candidates response to same. Both are important to an informed electorate.
July 27th, 2010 at 10:31 AM
One thing to note is that I background every single candidate as best I can. You often won’t read stories based on that backgrounding because most candidates just have nothing bad to report. And that’s the good news, isn’t it?
There is no prejudgement of a candidate when I seek out information. It’s simply my job to do.
July 27th, 2010 at 10:43 AM
It is my opinion that ST has tried to be, as he usually does; to be as fair as he can be!
However the statement made: “As usual, the Republicans are trying to sew some type of odd rumor about me being biased.” remind’s me of another statement that goes like this: “They all look a like”.
There are many republican’s who have never tried to sew anything about ST, no matter what their opinion happens to be of him!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Good on ya, Sam!
July 27th, 2010 at 10:51 AM
AFY - This is in regards to the party itself. Not you. I will absolutely admit there are a few local members of the GOP I know personally who are wonderfully nice people and don’t “sew anything” against me. Indeed. This is, however, a post about the party itself.
July 27th, 2010 at 10:54 AM
In the records request on candidate Overstreet and the political commentary from the republican party; it makes me believe that where there is smoke there is fire. Nice reporting Sam!
July 27th, 2010 at 10:59 AM
Clearly AFY is not one of the “many republican’s who have never tried to sew anything about ST”. It’s perfectly clear that “the Republicans” Sam is refering to is the Whatcom County Republican Party and not all Republicans.
July 27th, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Who said I am a republican?
I was only saying, that when ever I hear blanket statements it’s reminds me of what I heard when I’s was a young-um, they rub me wrong in general, I’s try to avoid them!
BTW, I am a revolutionary! Always have been and always will be!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 11:11 AM
So which revolution are you on now AFY, I know it’s not the French…
July 27th, 2010 at 11:15 AM
I didn’t say you were a Republican, either (”Clearly AFY is not one …“) and you’ll get no argument from about you being revolting
July 27th, 2010 at 11:25 AM
This is common “dirty politics” By the republican party! The republicans just spew rhetoric and lies when they can’t seem make it into the realm of truth. If I must vote for the D so be it but I think the R’s are just awful and un-americans in my opinion.
July 27th, 2010 at 11:51 AM
240 pages for Jensen’s file?! I imagine Overstreet’s should be less (age difference and all). Let us know if you find anything Sam!
July 27th, 2010 at 11:52 AM
This is an example of “working the refs”.
It’s nice to see that it didn’t work this time.
July 27th, 2010 at 12:07 PM
It was actually 243 pages. I paid $36.45 (15 cents per page) for the records.
They range back to 1978 or something. It’s quite a bit.
July 27th, 2010 at 12:21 PM
If you are being accused of unfair bias, it should NOT simply be based on the exercise of your right to obtain public information. I find this rather troubling. If there were allegations of unfair use of that information, that would be completely different.
The Public Records Act was enacted to protect the public from governmental abuse and to ensure transparency in government matters. Do the Republicans find this policy objectionable?
The purpose of this law is set out in RCW 42.56.030:
The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may maintain control over the instruments that they have created.
July 27th, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Go Wendy Go!!!!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Thanks Wendy, nice to have a grown-up around here for a change!
July 27th, 2010 at 12:34 PM
[...] Seattle. Overstreet, a Blaine City Council member, is also a Seattle fire fighter. SAM TAYLOR with Politics Blog in Bellingham Herald – [...]
July 27th, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Wait, Wendy, so I was going to make big murals on the sides of buildings with their personnel files. Would that be an inappropriate use of the information?
July 27th, 2010 at 12:44 PM
See what I mean…?
July 27th, 2010 at 12:47 PM
I’s be revolting agin those who want to dictate to others casue they mistakenly think they be smarter, prettier or smell better than the rest of us!!!
Live and let live!
For all those who be the dictator’s, it would be very fair to find me revolting, don’t ya know!
Bashing republican’s will not, can not, cloud over the reason people are dumping the democratic label, left and right!
“Too often over the years, all the political passion (and public demonstrations of it) has seemed to come from groups on the left seeking an ever-larger role for government in American life. Students, unions, actors, community organizers and such have made most of the noise, not coincidentally because they’ve been the ones with the time and the inclination to do it. Those on the other side - small business people, the self-employed, stay-at-home moms and the like - have traditionally worked to succeed within the status quo, rather than constantly trying to change it. Often they’ve been so busy, in fact, that they’ve failed to notice when little bits of their liberty have been incrementally chipped away.
It took the shock of a year of unchecked Democrat rule to change all of that. Suddenly, regular Americans - the ones usually too busy or too complacent to protest - have come to realize that, like Frankenstein’s monster, big government has taken on a life of its own.
Suddenly, the liberty and free enterprise most of us have taken for granted seem to be in the greatest jeopardy of our lifetime. Worse yet, Democrat politicians have ignored the public outcry, ramming through unpopular legislation that would put one-sixth of the economy (and every American’s health care!) under government control. Regular Americans - the ones more inclined to watch sports or go shopping than to organize protests - have taken notice. They’ve also taken umbrage.
With a growing recognition of the preciousness (and fragility) of liberty and a renewed appreciation of our founding principles, America is poised for a rebirth of freedom. Hail 2010: The Year of the Citizen!!!”
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/12/28/democrats_overreach_has_awakened_regular_americans_99707.html
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 12:50 PM
cough..cough…
July 27th, 2010 at 12:52 PM
So, to sum up… even though the Whatcom Republicans are clearly unfairly bashing Sam Taylor, the most important thing is that it is wrong to bash Republicans. And that Democrats are worse than they are.
How am I doing AFY?
July 27th, 2010 at 1:14 PM
AFY, your post makes me want to swear….LOUDLY! What a bunch of hogwash. How dare you imply that I’m not a real American because I don’t agree with most the Repulican/Tea Party ideals.
Dear sweet baby jesus, I am so over this 2-party system relegating each other to easy-to-define talking-point behavior.
I am none of the things that your post implies, yet all of them. Why would anyone demonize a person who wants to help organize their community? Do you have something against the Lettered Streets? The Columbia neighborhood? Why do you hate union workers? They’re just trying to make a good, clean living–they’re your plumbers and electricians. I would venture to guess that there are many, many, Democratic small-business owners.
As far as the people referenced who “traditionally worked to succeed within the status quo, rather than constantly trying to change it,” that’s why I, and millions of others, voted in 2008, because I most certainly did not like the status quo. Sometimes the status quo is wrong. Ask an African-American, or a suffragette.
Generalizations help no one. We all need to expand our horizons.
July 27th, 2010 at 1:17 PM
Jason, welcome to the brutal world of politics, having learned the brutality of it first hand. I have learned through sad experience that erroring on the side of transparency is always the best which is why I have a detailed website with more than just a few fancy statements. It is also why I have disclosed my special interest campaign questionnaires that I have filled out and committed to disclose who I talk with and about what in Olympia. The problem is too much stuff in Olympia is done behind closed doors and even if it is above board, it still has the appearance of impropriety.
Sam, you are more than welcome to my personnel files at WWU. All they will say is what a great teacher I am and that someone in the community complained about a letter of the editor I wrote about the casino.
July 27th, 2010 at 1:17 PM
Apexman, if you want to come under me wing, it will cost you, young man! You may have to quit bashing any & all and thrive off truth serum from this point on!
Camille that a nasty cough you seem to have acquire, for you I’s recommend cod liver oil and a shot of cognac to back it up! A NJ boiler, we’ll call it!
It all about respect:
I get no respect. The way my luck is running, if I was a politician I would be honest.
Rodney Dangerfield
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 1:21 PM
Apexnerd gets an “A” for reading Comprehension!
July 27th, 2010 at 1:23 PM
Sam,
You are a pro and I appreciate the time you take with candidate background checks.
July 27th, 2010 at 1:24 PM
You know something, Trixi and others like you, there seem to be this syndrome y’all keep catching! I’s gonna called it (in respect to you my girl) The Hog Wash I’s an unAmerican Syndrome!
Just because someone don’t agree with your every word does not mean they think you are UnAmerican, you take things way to personal!
Please tell me where I have ever called anyone UnAmerican just because they happen to be wrong like you, just my opinion, I could be wrong, ya know!
You know why that is, because being wrong is as American as being right!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 1:27 PM
Craig - Most personnel files of people still employed by public agencies are void of negative information.
Oddly enough, the state’s public records law works in a way where specific instances of misconduct are public records, but other, nice things, apparently, are not. That includes employee reviews that might be totally positive.
July 27th, 2010 at 1:27 PM
I wasn’t aware that Jim Beam made a truth serum.
July 27th, 2010 at 1:29 PM
All those who think they are right and think those who disagree with them to be wrong, but they be the wrong one’s, please forgive me if I have been too generalized for you!
You see, I’s do have a weakness, I think everyone has a right to their opinion, whether wrong or right! It’s kinda of a property rights issue to me!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 1:32 PM
Hmmm, you’re right, I’m not “unamerican,” I’m just not a “regular American.” Apologies.
July 27th, 2010 at 1:33 PM
I am proud to be an irregular American.
July 27th, 2010 at 1:33 PM
Apexman, you have found me achilles heal, sour mash!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 1:39 PM
If I had written that, I would have used one of your most favorite terms; Trixi, “silent American”, something I don’t think either of us have been probably since birth, hope I’s won’t too general for you!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 1:41 PM
AFY
I think you might enjoy a commentary article posted on the Onion, “We Will Never Be United As A Nation As Long As There Are Other People Besides Myself.”
http://www.theonion.com/articles/we-will-never-be-united-as-a-nation-as-long-as-the,17764/
July 27th, 2010 at 1:43 PM
E, did you give the Onion my picture? How did you get it, that was before we knew each other!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 1:47 PM
Making Trixi swear loudy does make me feel as if I have finally made real contact with someone here in ST’s little neighborhood, start up the music now ST!
What a great country!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 2:00 PM
This may not taste all that good to all of you out there, but a little fact fiber in your diet is good for you!
In 2008, you could have made a good argument that the Republican party was in serious trouble, just by looking at Gallup’s party ID, by state. Since then, thanks mostly, in my opinion, to President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Majority Leader Reid, the Republicans have gained in every state, except Mississippi. (In both 2008 and 2010, Democrats had a 1 point edge in Mississippi.)
That doesn’t mean that the Republicans are now the majority party, but that they can be competitive in almost every state, with the right candidates and the right issues.
I should add that, since 2008, Republicans have won statewide elections in two “solidly Democratic” states, New Jersey and Massachusetts, and have good chances in others this year, including California and Illinois.
Three examples, chosen not entirely at random: In 2008, Democrats had a 16 point edge in Pennsylvania; in polling this year, that edge had fallen to 7 percent. Similarly, in 2008, the Democrats had a 17 point edge in Washington state; in polling this year, that edge had fallen to 7 percent. In 2008, Democrats had a 13 point edge in New Hampshire; this year, Republicans have a 6 point edge.
http://www.seanet.com/~jimxc/Politics/July2010_4.html#jrm8962
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 2:11 PM
Hi Sam,
You are just doing your job! Now go and do it well!
July 27th, 2010 at 2:13 PM
While we are at it, here’s a little more fact fiber:
Year of the Tea Party Voter
Republicans are winning over voters who are disgruntled with both parties.
This year, the hands-down winner for the key voting bloc might be called “Tea Party Supporter.” Public Policy Polling, a Democratic-leaning firm, reports a major reason Republicans are poised to make major gains this year is that they “are cleaning up with a voting bloc that accounts for 26% of the country and could end up being the most important group of people at the polls this fall: voters who hate both congressional Democrats and congressional Republicans.”
The party-affiliation breakdown of the “pox on all politicians” segment is fascinating. Only 44% are Republicans, while 34% are independents and 21% are Democrats. That breakdown roughly mirrors the profile of people who in other polls identify themselves as Tea Party supporters. Interestingly, however, PPP finds that only about 35% of the “angriest segment” actually call themselves Tea Partiers. That’s compared to about 25% of voters in the electorate as a whole who identify themselves as Tea Party supporters
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703977004575393231110354778.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_MIDDLETopOpinion
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 2:18 PM
Sam,
Jason Overstreet is making out that your public records request is somehow a personal attack.
What was Al Jensen’s reaction when you requested his records?
July 27th, 2010 at 2:21 PM
AFY: I would never presume that I am prettier or better smelling than you! Its obviously a sore spot since you refer to yourself as revolting.
July 27th, 2010 at 2:24 PM
Oh SL asking a question you know the answer to, hasn’t ST carried enough of your water today?
MS WH, very good, very good! Most of my spots are sore!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 2:24 PM
Wow, I hate to jump to conclusions, but what with your updates, Sam, this is getting juicy!
Perhaps Mr. Overstreet knows he’s already received the editorial board’s endorsement, so doesn’t need to respond to Ms. Fraley?
July 27th, 2010 at 2:39 PM
Well Trixi there is an argument that is on going between myself and others from the other side of the aisle as you, most of them think the Herald is a liberal paper in a liberal town and their employes are doing the biding of the liberal powers that be, now I do argue against this notion but sometimes (even though I’s don’t completely disagree with it), more than not, the argument is definitely up hill. Even if they get a bone every once in a while, to them it still feels as if they are only getting the table scraps while the left gets the prime rib around here.
Personally I’ll take anything, cause I’s just hate dry dog food! Even if I also believe the Herald is a liberal paper in a liberal town, I’s say yum yum anytime a scrap is thrown my way and me growlin ain’t uncommon when trump up charges and mountains are made out of mole hills either. Which so far this whole affair seems to be.
Trixi taking your line of thought a step further could this be construed; by making a mountain of a molehill, be throwing a bone to the left when they missed out on a little prime rib?
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 2:51 PM
That’s his choice. He’ll be dealing with me during the general election and I’m more than happy to write specific articles about his ignoring the local media, which is the only way that voters will get an objective, independent view of all the candidates.
Most candidates consider that a bad thing.
July 27th, 2010 at 2:51 PM
I received no reaction whatsoever. Even when I was criticizing the city for taking so long on it via long-worded, heated e-mails, which I CC’d Jensen’s campaign on. He never responded to me at all, either.
July 27th, 2010 at 2:52 PM
I’ve heard that liberal bias stuff before, but as someone who has sought coverage for issues, I did not detect any.
The Herald is about as middle of the road as they come. My bias was they erred on the side of caution too much sometimes.
That some drone on about liberal media bias at a McClatchy Newspaper, says to me just how Far Right Wing Romper Room some people are…
July 27th, 2010 at 2:54 PM
Jensen was probably taking a cue from Mr. May’s experiences….
no press is good press….
July 27th, 2010 at 3:09 PM
With Shaun we can always count for never a bias word.
Here’s an idea instead of right wing or left wing this or that how about we say whacky right and looney left, that way we can always be on the same page!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 3:25 PM
“Most candidates consider that a bad thing” IMHO not if they think they are getting a fair shake.
If people think they are not getting a fair shake, there is always the question of why they think that, are they wrong or right, and let me tell you, way too many people who I talk to, the lack of a fair shake seems to have quite a few buying into that thinking around here.
IMHO a fair shake will be recoginized once everything has been shaken out on any particular candidate or issue and then we can conclude for ourself’s how fair it might have been. And I am sure that no one’s bias would ever play into anyone’s ability to recognize a fair shake if it presented itself or not, don’t ya know.
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 3:35 PM
AFY - re: Fair shake. There is absolutely no evidence, nothing logical anyway, that would indicate Mr. Overstreet has received anything but a “fair shake” from the journalists at this newspaper. It’s his choice if he doesn’t want to talk. I’ll write the articles anyway, because that’s my job.
People need to realize what we’re doing is providing information to voters. If you’re not speaking to us, it doesn’t harm me - it harms someone trying to make a decision as to who they should support. In that vein, I will absolutely write articles when candidates don’t speak to us, especially when they then try to make themselves out like some type of victim using absolutely inaccurate and false accusations in order to raise campaign money.
That is something voters deserve to know about.
And that’s a fair shake.
July 27th, 2010 at 3:45 PM
A fair shake ST means not jumping to conclusions! And for you to say right now that he will not talk to the Herald when the Herald has given him to noon tomorrow to do it sounds to me like someone has their panties too tight!
This is more and more beginning to sounds like you have it out for him and this is not something you have any intention of being fair about!
And BTW, ST have you ever thought for a moment, just a little bitty moment that the reason’s the R’s don’t trust you may have something to do with you? Just asking? Or is it in your mine as so many whose eyes are blinded by bias that anything the R’s do, has to be wrong from the get go?
Just giving my opinion, I could be wrong but appearance are beginning to give a solid reflection methinks.
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 4:00 PM
AFY - You don’t seem to understand. He was contacted last week for the interview. I don’t have it out for any candidate. But it is still my job to hold people accountable. As a transparent reporter, I value sharing directly with people here what my thought process is as I move through dealing with a candidate that is ignoring the reporters at this newspaper. I don’t have it out for Mr. Overstreet whatsoever. But he owes it to the public to speak with us. We’ll do everything we can in our power to give him every opportunity to comment - but realistically, there’s only so long we can wait. Ballots will be in mailboxes Friday.
RE: The GOP thinking whatever.
That’s their choice, of course. Just as it is the choice of the local Dems to think I’m possibly a Republican when I write something they don’t like (as I’ve been told this has happened before).
The thing is - I’m still here, and I’m the reporter they have to deal with. It’s their choice not to, but they have no good factual reason for not doing so. Just their own rumor and innuendo.
July 27th, 2010 at 4:07 PM
I’m with Shaun; Jensen not responding must be a lesson he learned by watching Mr. May on here. So many chances to do harm by trying to do right. It seems the more you chime in, the more fodder you give the masses.
Regardless, it will be interesting to see if there is in fact something Mr. Overstreet is trying to hide.
And lets not forget what seems to have been lost at this point - Fund-raising for his campaign on the grounds of an “attack by the media!”
Time to do some campaign consultant housecleaning Mr. Overstreet!
July 27th, 2010 at 4:25 PM
Sorry that I got a little heated.
I honestly do believe you are doing your job the best that you can. However it does seem to get personal to you, if you have passion about it, how can it not be?
People do what they do for a reason, if they think that dealing with a particular person has no merit to their cause they may not, it is everyone’s right, and it sure does not have to be sinister, just that they think because they will not get what they think to be a fair shake then why waste their time.
I just called one of the powers that be and gave my opinion that this interview tomorrow should be done. I hope & think it will.
I also understand there will be a conversation about this incident in another media in the county, you may not like that, but to me this whole thing ain’t about hiding something at all as it is about fairness, a perception some people have differently than others. Everyone can think what ever they want, as always, and the most partisan will always be the most partisan, that I’s knows can always be counted on.
Let’s see what the AM brings!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 4:31 PM
AFY - I am aware of KGMI’s PM Bellingham show. They asked if I’d want to participate. I declined as I don’t generally do interviews like that.
Being the news isn’t my choice. This wasn’t created by me. Oddly, though, I still have to cover it.
Part of the problem with Internet is you think I’m heated when I’m not. I write in short, terse sentences because that’s my training as a journalist.
I’m not angry.
The thing I’m most annoyed about is they told all the other local media I was doing this stuff in the background, and I can guarantee I was the only one making such requests. So they ruined any potential scoop if there was at all anything to report about (like I said earlier, there usually isn’t when we background candidates and there may very well not be here, either).
July 27th, 2010 at 4:31 PM
I can vouch for ST - he looked in every corner and under every stone for records and information about me. In fact, he was much more thorough than any of my opponents or the PDC!
July 27th, 2010 at 4:32 PM
KM, Did he miss anything?
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 4:39 PM
If you try not to be annoyed, I will try not to be as insulting!
I hope you have better luck at it then as I seem to have!
I would love to see a better relationship between this paper and the R’s in the county, and would be willing to provide a peace pipe if that would move it forward, I would of course get the first toke!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 5:37 PM
AFY,
As many here would attest, you are never insulting.
July 27th, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Sam,
I might add that if, as a journalist, you find that people on whom you report don’t trust you, it might be time to look inward, or especially to have a face-to-face conversation with them about that attitude on their part. I know there’s only so much time, but that is your job.
We might all benefit, because more information and better communication benefit us all.
July 27th, 2010 at 5:52 PM
Dave, I appreciate you telling me how to do my job.
However, my job isn’t to try to appease any and all. My job is to seek truth and report it, to be fair and accurate, to be a watchdog for the public and to hold elected officials (and those hoping to be elected) accountable.
There is absolutely nothing at all I can do to convince certain people that I’m only out to report on behalf of the public. I think the majority don’t think I’m out there trying to hold certain people to a higher standard, as the local GOP chairwoman said on KGMI this afternoon (which is, incidentally not true when it comes to this paper and she has proof of it).
When I first came to this newspaper, I specifically called the local Republican Party and offered to have a sit down with them to get to know them and to explain how I do my job. I thought the conversation went well, with a small group of the local GOP on hand (Chet Dow, Larry Helm, the Lysnes being there). I didn’t have to do this. But I wanted to. I thought it was important to do.
It’s obviously just my personal belief, but I thought Chet and I had a great working relationship. We’d go out for coffee and chat over issues, etc., and he was a wonderful source.
Again, however, I’m not here to placate people who are going to twist issues and accuse me of being biased with absolutely no valid, factual information to back that up. At that point, people start burning bridges.
I’m more than happy to sit down or take a phone call about how I cover a story and to talk it out with someone. If I get something wrong, I’m more than happy to admit that - as should be evidenced here when I specifically lay out the errors I’ve made in print coverage. I think it’s important to admit when I get something wrong and to correct it here in a very public way. I’m the only reporter who does this.
I feel my work stands on its own.
I think I’ll leave my comment on this topic at that.
July 27th, 2010 at 5:54 PM
AFY, I like your writing better when you don’t resort to the homilies…I’s and you’s and methinks and such.
July 27th, 2010 at 5:59 PM
Sam,
I think that I owe you an apology, and here it is.
I might chat with people I know.
July 27th, 2010 at 6:39 PM
Spreading rumors about a local reporter’s left-leaning bias and our county’s liberal print media will fit right in with the national narrative currently being very vigorously promoted by the right wing spin machine.
For example, during the July 23 Talking Points Memo, entitled Media War Breaks Out in America, Bill O’Reilly said,
http://video.foxnews.com/v/4292677/media-war-breaks-out-in-america/?playlist_id=86934
During the July 19 Talking Points Memo, entitled The Media, the Black Panthers and Obama, Bill O’Reilly said,
http://video.foxnews.com/v/4286111/the-media-the-black-panthers-and-obama/?playlist_id=86934
During the July 15 Talking Points Memo, entitled Liberal Press Says Panther Story Trumped Up, Bill O’Reilly said,
“It’s amazing what has happened to Newsweek magazine — once a proud franchise — it has devolved into a troubled far-left publication that will soon be sold.” O’Reilly then launches into a tirade about a July 14 story by David A. Graham, in which he accuses Newsweek of injecting race into the story, of perpetrating “a journalistic atrocity,” and of conducting a “political hatchet job” against Fox News.
http://video.foxnews.com/v/4283546/liberal-press-says-panther-story-trumped-up/?playlist_id=86934
And, of course, Limbaugh is constantly harping about the “drive-by media.”
It’s a sad, sad state of affairs when ideologically driven members of political parties attack outstanding journalists for doing their job, by accusing them of ideological bias. Talk about a case of the pot calling the kettle black.
July 27th, 2010 at 6:46 PM
And that relates to Whatcom Republicans how?
July 27th, 2010 at 6:50 PM
all I can say is that the actions of the local R party officials in posting this on Facebook, and starting up this whole personal attack-counter attack jive, seems to be a bit odd given the Herald came out with an endorsement of Overstreet. Perhaps a bit paranoid? Certainly not the best way to open a dialog with the local political reporter. Davesix is not the only one who should be issuing an apology, methinks…
July 27th, 2010 at 7:11 PM
Gosh, this has become ugly.
Sam, keep up the good work; I suspect more will come of this.
You’d think the Herald editors would have considered reviewing Mr. Overstreet’s file before endorsing him.
July 27th, 2010 at 7:22 PM
Sam,
I’m curious:
It is apparent that there is a rift between you and the Republican Party in Whatcom County.
I’m familiar with your approach, although I don’t know you personally. The same goes my acquaintance with principals in the party.
How did your relationship, once friendly, go sideways?
I’m curious.
I know you all to be reasonable people.
Please inform me.
July 27th, 2010 at 7:22 PM
What is it about the old adage “don’t pick a fight with someone who buys their ink by the barrel” that our local politicians have a hard time with?
Unless Overstreet and Richard May are about to announce a joint venture launching their own local paper, neither one of them has the smarts to manage so much as a basic checking account.
Nice job, Sam.
July 27th, 2010 at 9:50 PM
Sam, you are the best. This thread and the one about pudge (and particularly the resulting comments from each of those posts) are golden.
Davesix really gets to the heart of the matter:
“How did your relationship [with the Republican Party] , once friendly, go sideways?
I’m curious.”
For the same reason you despise/repeatedly can’t understand me: By saying things you don’t agree with. And backing it up with evidence (example: census data or other statistics) instead of hearsay (example: Heritage foundation/random blog’s interpretation of statistics).
If people don’t agree with reality, then maybe they should get mad at reality instead of Sam for pointing out that reality is not aligned with their position. Or, in this case, that reality isn’t aligned with ANY political position.
(imagines Republicans getting on their knees and shaking their fists at the sky, shouting, “Curse you, fabric of space and time for not caring about my political positions!” Heartwarming, really)
July 27th, 2010 at 9:51 PM
re- Overstreet not getting back to Zoe Fraley- he also skipped on the candidate forum at WWU back in June- not a good pattern.
July 27th, 2010 at 10:48 PM
Sam Taylor posted- Jensen never responded to me at all
Adams posted - Jensen not responding must be a lesson he learned by watching Mr. May on here. So many chances to do harm by trying to do right. It seems the more you chime in, the more fodder you give the masses.
Sean posted- no press is good press
I wonder if all of Jensen’s police conduct made it into the version that Sam got to see. People in the inner circles of the democrat party must know the real stories.
July 27th, 2010 at 11:05 PM
Hey Sam, I don’t think Overstreet has anything to hide, I don’t think he is scared of anything, especially a reporter from the bellingham herald. I think his facebook post was more questioning the timing of the inquiry, right before the primary. What you reporters couldn’t find anything on the surface that stank so you had to dig deeper right before the primary. I have been to a few parades, and I have bumped into the Overstreets at one or two functions over the years…all the Overstreets, all six of them together as a family. Did you ever stop to think that maybe he wasn’t at a candidates forum because that particular night he needed to be with his family. I also noticed that his wife was very pregnant, maybe he hasn’t returned said reporters calls because his wife had a baby…that would make seven Overstreets. Jason will take care of the issues when it counts, and he will continue to be a wonderful family man…if he doesn’t get a hold of you it is because of something more important than you. He is not trying to hide anything or dodge any issues, the man is an Oak. Solid as a rock. No where in his facebook post did he mention seeking an injunction to prevent you from getting his records. Keep digging, and maybe you can make a mountain out of a mole hill.
July 27th, 2010 at 11:33 PM
That will teach you to be a diligent journalist. For shame Mr. Taylor.
Eboss- It’s one thing to duck a request for a personnel file. It’s quite another to publicly insinuate that the request was the result of a partisan motive, especially when the request is standard operating procedure.
July 27th, 2010 at 11:39 PM
Some bloggers feel sad for richard may. Now let us be clear; may provided false information and then continued to deny it until the Herald’s Sam Taylor did a follow up article showing the lie. I do not expect anything negative about overstreet to turn up. So far he has not lied like may. I believe that he will do everything he can to get rid of as much services in the state as possible; no matter if it is needed, or not. In fact overwstreet said he would get rid of unemployment if he could. I just find it interesting that the republican party would make an issue out of a non issue. But then stupid is as stupid does.
July 28th, 2010 at 12:11 AM
He didn’t duck it, I think he just questioned the timing. Get some real news, if there was a story here someone would have run it a long time ago…oh yeah Mayberry your a dandy…you should bring your personnel file to our next meeting I would love to read it, you crack me up:) If it is standard procedure where is Mayberry’s file, and doesn’t Mike Smith work for the school district that would be a government employee as well where is his file, Jason didn’t say it but I will, Taylor is digging for dirt simple as that. Sam your doing your job I guess, people are reading your stuff and responding…keep up the good work. Just make sure you don’t get bent out of shape when the candidates publish stuff about you. Come on, you didn’t know the department would send Jason a letter like that did you. It is kinda funny, don’t you think. It’s like being a kid, you know your moms going to know you stole a cookie, you just don’t expect to get caught with your hand in the cookie jar. So know go out an get Mayberry’s get smith’s and talk to whoever May’s boss is and get his, then we can all compare. While your at it why don’t you get their high school transcripts, I am interested to see what kind of a grade Mayberry got in his Ag classes he is one heck of a farmer I hear!
July 28th, 2010 at 12:27 AM
I didn’t say he ducked it. Actually, he did quite the opposite. He made the actual request itself public in order to play himself as a victim to the press. While that’s not illegal in any way, it strikes me as somewhat underhanded.
July 28th, 2010 at 1:13 AM
I’m pretty sure you said he ducked it.
July 28th, 2010 at 1:38 AM
Hey Eboss, since you mention it, I have no boss, I am the only purely private sector candidate of the 5 people running for this seat. The others are all at least partly on public paychecks (2 teachers and 2 public safety officers).
Hey Joe, repeating spin over and over doesn’t make it into reality. The situation changed after I referred to it, and even then, I hadn’t named any particulars. Sam’s follow up actually clarified by citing the specifics that linked up with my former comments.
July 28th, 2010 at 6:06 AM
So Eboss, you ever follow a campaign before? Your tirade is so full of holes and ridiculously defensive one might wonder.
A journalist is not a campaign stooge or a cheerleader, he is here to ask probing questions to illuminate a candidate’s background and positions.
Your candidates obfuscations make him sound pretty bush league. He’s in a campaign but too busy to talk to the press?
But perhaps we should not judge Mr. Overstreet by the paranoid ramblings of a campaign sycophant. He is a big boy and can speak on his own if he is truly the rock you say.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:21 AM
Ok in response to richard may the, I see it and I get it candidate. Some how then by your response the herald articles and sam taylor were lie’s. I think may sounds more like the, “I don’t see it and I don’t get it” candidate. But like the Heralds comments on there endorsement editorial you were not the only one.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:26 AM
AFY, you’re not seriously claiming that you have no bias are you?
July 28th, 2010 at 7:31 AM
Sam I think you need to simmer down a little. We’re talking about a facebook wall posting. If you read the comments of that post (which you contributed to) I wouldn’t say anyone else who commented on that post “complained” about you. If anything the posting was a positive in that it allowed you to clarify that you did indeed request personnel files for all the candidates.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:51 AM
Sam Taylor reported the “dirt” from Mayberry’s file when he first ran for office and again on May 5th of this year. And, instead of “dirt,” Taylor digs for public information that the voters have every right to know about.
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/05/05/1418238/lyndens-mayberry-to-run-as-independent.html
July 28th, 2010 at 7:56 AM
And yet if you read above Bellinghammer, the press poking it’s nose where it shouldn’t or looking for dirt is the complaint heard here from Overstreet supporters.
Maybe I should take a cue from Pudge and write a political song, like “I’m So Ova, Ova Street.”
Say with a little more production, Maybe a short haired, goateed, 5 member band in thigh length khaki shorts, Hawaiian shirt, sandals sans socks and cheesy glasses —to a hip hop beat. Of course the conservatives wouldn’t know how to dance to it and would have a hard time keeping up with the rhythm.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:20 AM
Shaun, what is your question, am I serious or bias, well the answers are no and yes I’s reckon, I’s leave it to you to decide which!
Trixie, I’s do want you to like me but, I’s have a control problem!
It is my opinion that many very good people from the R side have decided that ST is not a fair reporter, right or wrong theirs minds seem to have been made up, to this point.
To me actions speak louder than words, my wish is that ST proves them wrong. I’s do have a peace pipe and will travel if called upon by any of the parties.
Every day brings a new sun rise and sun set it seems. They can be beautiful or even rather cloudy and overcast but the fact remains that there is a new one every day.
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 8:38 AM
Uh, right. It was Sam Taylor who is responsible for this thread being almost 100 posts in length. The conservatives on this thread are just being the picture of calm about this. Not at all defensive or sensitive.
Phht.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:44 AM
Now it’s the left defending ST while the right attacks him, I’s like ST much better when both sides were attacking him.
Oh, for the good old days!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 9:07 AM
Wow, this has seriously been blown out of proportion. It was posted that he was going to continue to focus on the issues while others looked at his personnel file. That’s it. It’s a reporter’s job to do that and I’d imagine Jason expected it. Not everyone has time to call everyone back that day, especially Jason. For the record, he manages a business AND works as a firefighter AND is raising four (nearly five) children. I believe he is also doing a majority of his campaigning himself. He is an upstanding man with impeccable character. The implication that he has “something to hide” is pure spin…looking for a way to get a good man down, that’s not going to happen! Let’s hope everyone can move on…
July 28th, 2010 at 9:16 AM
The pure spin is that Sam Taylor is doing something biased or inappropriate by making a public records request.
KHarting’s comment appears to be an attempt to advance the narrative that Mr Overstreet isn’t getting a fair shake with the media.
Keep working the refs, folks.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:24 AM
Good journalism, Sam. I’ve always admired your diligence and skepticism…something I learned in j-school myself. The hackneyed “The media are out to get me” response speaks to the character of the candidate and his lazy consultants.
Keep on digging.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:50 AM
From KHarting’s comment, it sounds like Jason is already too busy to be a State Legislator.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:51 AM
Apexman as we all know all sides work the ref if they play the game!
And when a ref ain’t looking who’s above getting an elbow in every once in a while, just that the one retaliating most likely is the only one the ref ever see’s, don’t ya know.
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 9:57 AM
Wait, he is an active Seattle Firefighter AND lives in Blaine? That’s one heck of a commute.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Did the right think that Sam wasn’t a fair reporter when he was digging around to find out what entities were endorsing Richard May (or not, as the case may be)?
Thanks for your work, Sam, for us the public, and not for left or right.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:19 AM
You keep telling yourself that.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:24 AM
hi Eboss, I hope you’re well.
This comment above shows the gross misunderstanding by those who aren’t, well, me, the person who made the request.
I don’t even have his personnel file yet. The city of Seattle should be mailing it to me today.
However, you’re assuming that I’m going to write something before the primary, which I didn’t intend to do (unless voters deserved to know some major issue, which I assume there aren’t any). Next, you assume I’m going to write anything at all based on the file, and generally, when I background candidates, there’s nothing to report on.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:25 AM
After I sent Overstreet an e-mail yesterday, he contacted Zoe and myself.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:32 AM
I have absolutely no idea, other than to think that a change in leadership?
July 28th, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Members of the right-wing spin machine, such as Rush Limbaugh, have been rabidly promoting over-hyped and over-the-top claims about liberal media bias at the national level for a long time now. Therefore, we should not be too surprised to discover that similar claims are now infecting local political discourse right here in little ol’ Whatcom County.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:42 AM
I have always found relationships to be a two way street, not ever gotten into any that would be a three way street so can’t speak to that.
BTW just spoke with Jason, this seems to clearly be a misunderstanding that had gotten some legs of it own. IMHO this misunderstanding today has not a leg to stand on.
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Come on Todd, I’s thought we were gonna drop this rignt wing that or left wing that and change it to the whacky right or looney left.
It just sounds like so much more fun that way.
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 12:05 PM
There are a lot of rhyming words that would work with each..
Ya sure betcha by cracky,
if you want to be whackier than a quack on whacky tabacky,
backy the whacky right…..
Do you mean like that?
Or, my Hammer and cyclist favorite,
Lets make sure the right whacky cartoony,
see their next light by the silvery moony,
through a crack in the painted over window
of the re-education camp roomy….
July 28th, 2010 at 12:57 PM
Sounds like you may be getting the whack of it!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 6:35 PM
Wow. First observation….there seem to be many in here that are tapping their finger tips together, hoping for something in Mr. Overstreets file. I don’t blame you, it will probably be your best chance to find a crack in his campaign… however, I am afraid you will be dissapointed so just go buy your favorite flavor of ice cream now to console yourselves.
second observation….. If you want to know anything about Mr. Overstreet, go to the horses mouth. Email him, call him, contact him on his facebook page or website. Do your own investigating. It is your duty as a voter. Don’t rely on others.
third observation….. yes Sam you were doing your due diligence. As long as we don’t lose sight of the issues that are important to us, and how each candidate sides on those issues.
night all
July 28th, 2010 at 7:26 PM
Wow! What a lot of comments. It is absolutely Sam’s job to look at all files of candidates, particuarly those of public employees. However, the attorney side of my brain knows that what may be in those files might not say all that much, or have a lot of information redacted, simply because the lawyers for the firefighers may be overly concerned about other legal matters. For example, it is routine that psychological reports (routinely conducted for those in public service with high stress jobs or dealing with high stress situations like firefighters or police officers) are usually redacted from any such searches absent a court order due to privacy concerns. In addition, for example, Jason could have been on a serious call where he may have even been commended for his actions, but the attorneys are concerned about the privacy of the patients or victims, etc. so that information may be incomplete when given to Sam. There may be HPPA concerns over that same issue (the law is ever evolving around this, so I imagine the city attorneys would err on the side of caution, etc.), etc. In addition, all such records are protected to a degree as a result of union protections and collective bargaining. That is why collective bargaining discussions are an exception to the Open Public Meetings Act at Council meetings, and can be discussed in Executive Session (as agreed to by numerous court decisions).
Therefore, do your due diligence Sam, and do your best. However, it is true that there are limitations. That is why I smile when certain commentators on both the left and the right on television (I am not sure if they are truly journalists anymore) start talking about conspiracy theories and “spin.” Sometimes records are kept the way they are to protect the privacy of third parties, like the potential private citizens in car accidents who simply were in the wrong place at the wrong time and need assistance from our fine firefighters.
July 28th, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Holy heck - this is madness. I’m appalled that Overstreet and his peeps are using such tired, old tricks to distract from the facts.
So let me get this straight: Overstreet had no time to call a reporter back. But Overstreet DID have time to write, edit and post some crazy spin up on his facebook page. And then his peeps have PLENTY of time to be on blogs like a line of whirling dervishes spinning…
Why are they trying to distract from the fact that a free press has a pivotal role in a healthy democracy?
As voters we absolutely rely on the press to dig and find out things. As Sam said, there’s usually nothing. But it’s his JOB to check. This is a big hire and we need someone to look into the people we’re considering hiring.
And note to Ms. Barker: how dare you suggest that the press has no role in reporting on candidates and that voters should all call the Overstreet household. How many elected officials have you called? How many candidates? My guess is that you’ve never made that call.
And AFY: could you be more tedious these days? Throwing out random diversionary tactics. Acting as if the local republicans aren’t all on your speed dial..
Joe and the Jensonites: have you not figured out that the petty blog attacks on Richard May don’t work and are generally annoying? Petty isn’t exactly what voters look for in a legislator. BTW: why is Al Jenson pledging to reform Wall Street? What’s up with false claim?
Sam: good job doing your job.
July 29th, 2010 at 8:13 AM
Suzie Q, good morning to you too!
But what’s a speed dail?
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 29th, 2010 at 8:30 AM
As usual with Suzie Q: Seven megatons of common sense packed into one kick butt post. Tip of the hat.
July 29th, 2010 at 8:37 AM
Suzie, arguing with AFY is old, mild, been there, done that stuff. You should try disagreeing with Pudge, if you want to see a marvel of denial, and have a lot of time and a few valium handy….
July 29th, 2010 at 8:48 AM
Suzie
I did not say the press has no role in reporting on candidates, in fact I said
Sam was doing his due diligence. My comment about doing your own research was merely to remind us that it is our duty as informed voters to find the information that is important to us when hiring someone to represent us. We abjugate our responsibility if we wait to be spoon fed information. It should be a combined effort. BTW what is a peep? I was thinking of those cute little marshmallow chicks at Easter….
Ms. Barker
July 29th, 2010 at 8:54 AM
Peep is slang for “People”. Times change.
July 29th, 2010 at 1:21 PM
If I were one of Suzie Q’s kids I would never misbehave.
July 30th, 2010 at 6:37 AM
I’s would!
I’s sure I’s would get to know her backhand on the firsthand!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
July 30th, 2010 at 6:48 AM
I’s sure you’s would too!
I’s also sure it warn’t take too long ’til she introduced it to you’s either!
July 31st, 2010 at 9:54 PM
Overstreet’s responses in his interview by Zoe Fraley were pathetically shallow and said to me this guy needs a lot of seasoning before we select him for any kind of elected position.