To my fine readers across the political spectrum:
I wanted to let you know that I have been offered, and accepted, the position of Ferndale city clerk, and my last day at The Bellingham Herald will be January 7.
The job is contingent on the Ferndale City Council approving my contract during a December 20 meeting. As of now, I will no longer be covering Ferndale for this newspaper. Editors here are determining how to handle government and political coverage — including the future of this blog — as the days go on.
It’s been an absolute pleasure as the reporter who got to be a part of this great experiment here on the Politics Blog, and I truly treasure the community conversations that have developed over the years. We have people from all walks of life, touching on every political philosophy here. The Average Joe chats with local elected officials, and I got to spend some time refereeing rather interesting debates.
This move wasn’t taken lightly, and I know this is a major change both professionally and for my family. But I made the decision without hesitation, and I’m truly excited to serve the community in a different way than I did as a journalist. I’m also excited about being able to be more a part of the community. As a reporter I took my ethical obligations very seriously, and so being able to be civically involved, honestly, will be something new for me.
We’ve had an amazing journey here. We raised $1,500 for the Friendly Visitors Program in the county, which connects volunteers with seniors who need someone in their lives. You all were massively supportive when our baby boy, Wesley, spent three weeks in Seattle Children’s Hospital, a time that pulled me away from this blog and election coverage. I truly appreciated all the support.
Thank you again to all of you, and more information will be posted as I learn it.
But Camille I’s do it for free!
Heck I’s even pay them!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
Now if I’s was running the Politis blog, here’s a sample of what you be gettin:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11957493
Now see what you be missin!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!!
Also I would take extra efforts (in depth!!!!) in trying to understand the liberal mind:
http://weaselzippers.us/2010/12/10/howard-fineman-tells-olbermann-angry-democrats-said-f-the-president-no-f-ing-way-he-f-ed-it-up/
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
Okay… So AFY, SamT and cohorts…
Tuesday the 21st didn’t work out for a few folks.
How about Wednesday December 29th, 6pm at Cafe Caffe, for…
“Drink the Kool Ade” A political debate and roast for Sam Taylor and the politics blog regulars.
That date work ?
Maybe Dame Helen should do a drive-by through Sudden Valley next time she’s in the States.
I’m actually on vacation (a big planned one to Alaska I’ve had on the books since 2009 to take our baby boy there for Christmas) from Dec. 20-Jan. 3.
If you’d like me to hang out, it may have to be in the New Year some time.
There’s no roast with no pig!!!
In the New Years it be!
RM, seems like you got the point on this one, just keep me in the know!
AFY!!theheelotsheepdog!!!
Sam;
I remember the first time I read the politics blog (what ? is a blog I thought at the time), and you have taken it to this point where I read it every day, as a confirmed lurker, I am coming out to congratulate you and thanks for all the excellent reporting.
AFY, you’re too funny.
You can be a real pain in the derriere, but, speaking for myself, your silliness lends a nice balance and is most appreciated.
You’re going to Alaska for vacation during the winter? Hmm.
Alaska is more beautiful in the winter than it is in the summer. (IMHO, of course.)
Yes, my wife’s family is in Anchorage. It’ll be the first Christmas since we’ve been married up there … and our first with the baby.
I hope they’ll like him.
Can they see Palin from their house? Have a great trip to the north Sam at least Wes is closer to Santa.
So will you be blogging after your vacation or is Dec 20th the end of our blogosphere here?
I too am moving on before years end(distant applause)the next year will find me in places from down under to Timbuktu….but maybe there will be something to view from afar.
At any rate, though we had our moments, it’s been a pleasure.
Too bad all the others in the posse can’t stop in to say hi, Like Jurgen and Hamster to name a couple–but they ain’t bona fide. I’m sure they’d send their best if they could, though Jurgen would probably weave it into some blue thing and probably get banned the last week. The guy’s incorrugateable—(definition)….cannot be lured into a wavy tin pattern of thought like most right wingers.
All the best,……… M.
That’s right,
Wow. Congratulations! You’ve done a great job at the Politics Blog. Hopefully you’ll post once in a while if it doesn’t go away. Good luck!