Anyone listening to this?

This radio debate has quickly gone off the rails...

It's quite frustrating to listen to more than an hour's worth of allegations and defenses back and forth, most of which can't be confirmed, whether because it's hearsay or because of the privacy issues surrounding personnel that Mayor Christopher Louras is adamant about.

I'd love to be able to tail city vehicles all day long, but it's just not in the cards for me, any other reporter at the paper, or even a Trapeni administration...

Comments

[Jamie]

Stephanie I am starting to really see your green gills when it comes to your experience in this job. It's really sad that you can not keep yourself neutral in this mayoral process. Dave Trapeni along with Mayor Louras are not accountable to either you or the paper you work for. You also just made a huge mistake by mentioning someones name (whom asked to be kept confidential)in the paper today about critical information they gave you. As for Mayor Louras coming up with a defense for city employees that steal services, (aka The garbage club)I thought he was a lawful man that follows the law. Based upon the facts it appears that Mayor Louras just wants it to go away. Sounds like another Cassarino to me. Someone of which Chris Louras I'm sure does not want to be associated with.

[Stephanie Peters]

Jamie,
If you're commenting on my frustration described here, I think you misunderstand. It wasn't directed at any candidate or caller - it's on both ends. These allegations are exceedingly hard to confirm both because of the legwork required, which I know you're familiar with, and the fact that it's not a simple process getting the answers from City Hall department heads either. It's what investigative reporting is all about, of course, but it's not something reporters at smaller papers are often given the opportunity to pursue - let alone numerous allegations.

To your other points, as candidates seeking voters' support Louras and Trapeni are accountable to everyone in the city. When they're elected, even moreso. Does everyone have the opportunity to ask them the questions that the other reporters at the paper and I do? No, so not only am I going to ask them, I'm expected to. I'm sorry they're not always favorable to your personal viewpoints.

It doesn't matter what I do or don't write about Trapeni or Louras, you and others are going to find something to point to as an excuse for claiming I'm biased to either candidate. Go back and look at the coverage of this campaign - it's equal. As for what Louras had to say about the trash club - that wasn't me rendering an opinion that it was truth, I was just giving him the same opportunity to speak that Trapeni receives throughout the story.

[Jamie]

I don't like the fact that you didn't address the most distressing point to my entry Stephanie. Why is it you outed someone that very specifically asked to be kept anonymous? I have been a citizen of Rutland the majority of my life. Unlike yourself. I also have very good knowledge about alot of unscrupulous activity going on in this city. Alot more than yourself. If it hadn't been for one particular person with whom is very passionate about making this place a better place to live. You and the paper you work for would not have a clue about what's going on. I think you may have an idea for whom I may be. Why don't you give me a call so this devastating mistake you made can be rectified.