Dear Editor:
I write this letter in disgust, which was caused by the misreporting of information to the public by the Union City Reporter edition of Sunday, November 25th. It is my hope that this reporting was done irresponsibly and recklessly, instead of intentionally.
First, I take issue with the cover of said edition, which reads “FBI raid said to be related to March indictment”. The story then attempts to connect a recent search of the Community Development Agency with an indictment that occurred during March of this year – through an unnamed source! While I am not a journalist, it’s evident that this is journalism at its worst. I can only imagine what future Union City Reporter stories will convey in the future.
Also, in the “Briefs” section, the Commissioners and I are accused of not holding a public portion of the Commission Meeting that was held on November 22. However, I called for public comment after the adoption of the consent agenda and then again near the close of the meeting. In fact, public comment was offered by Mr. Larry Price, after which I again called for public comment. No one came forward when I called for public comment.
The meeting then proceeded to Liquor Violation Hearings, as we have done for the last 12 years. It is not my fault that political opponents were not prepared to speak and then acted in an uncivilized manner, after the meeting.
The resident who is quoted in said Brief challenged me to “step outside”. Police Officers who were present for Liquor Hearings witnessed this classless behavior and addressed it.
Sadly, the Union City Reporter would not have written such an irresponsible story if proper time had been taken to review the minutes of the meeting or if the meeting had been attended by a reporter.
Union City residents know that I am proud to move all of the city’s Commission Meetings throughout our community, just as meetings are hosted during the evening and encourage suggestions from residents.
Unfortunately, we will experience silly attacks by political opposition who never contribute anything constructive to our City.
Sincerely,
Brian P. Stack
Mayor