LETTER – Balanced journalism provides both sides of the story

Another year has begun and the fires of discontent have been rekindled with local politics.

Any time there is a story on line from other media outlets, the picture seems to be slanted, distorted or perhaps even biased.  Such was the case when I updated myself on the spat between the Mayor and a councillor regarding the differences of opinions of crossing personal boundaries.

Let me take the opportunity to thank you for going the extra mile to research the “secret taping” of what may well have been a staged “shouting match” between Coun. Bill Sarai and Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson.  I’m glad we found out that the personal smart phone of a councillor used to secretly record such a thing can be the subject of a FOI request.

As some folks might wonder, did this secret recording actually do any harm to the mayor or his reputation?  Was there a personal cost to him?  Has this done any long term damage to Sarai’s reputation as an elected civic politician?

Balanced journalism can still provide the public with both sides of the story.  The future and fallout lie ahead.

Thanks again, Armchair Mayor.

JOHN NOAKES,
Citizen of Westmount