Voice of the People: From the Bully Pulpit …

As the publisher of the Grand Terrace City News I have never exercised my right as the publisher to give you my opinion. But here it is: I agree our city is in a financial situation that needs attention. But no matter what my personal views are, I still believe that I live in the United States of America. And even if I don’t agree with some people, they have the right to freedom of speech, to voice their opinion, and to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas. I have gone to great lengths to bring you both sides of this issue. I have spent hours investigating, researching, interviewing, transcribing and writing these articles that share with you all sides of this issue. Never once did I tell you how to think or what to think; I left it up to you to do your own research and made it easy for you to go to links on the web sites so you can read for yourselves. When I write an article, I do my homework! I interviewed Mr. Anthony Grande for over an hour. He did serve our country in the military and that does make him a veteran. He may not have been as well informed about the issues our city is facing, but that does not take away his right to freedom of speech. I also interviewed Mayor Walt Stanckiewitz. I went to the extra effort of following him, tracking him down to make sure his words would also be heard. My interview with him lasted less than 6 minutes. I merely quote what has been told to me during the interview process. Double quote marks on either side of something “…” means someone else has said this. You can find the attribution either before the quote or after the quote. This lets you know who said what. Now here is my opinion … I do understand the severity of the issue at hand on Measure C. What I don’t understand is what has happened to our charming little community of Grand Terrace where people respected one another, helped one another and came together to make this a better place to live? I personally would have felt better if our mayor had gone out to the parking lot to educate this young man rather than take his picture. Then democracy might have been better served. I have published your anonymous Orchids & Onions, and your signed opinions, because I do believe in freedom of speech.