Back and Forth …

May 10th, 2007 · 30 Comments · Local

Interesting exchange going on in the previous post. I find myself agreeing with “Samantha” — whoever she is.

I tend to give people who serve on our boards and commissions the benefit of the doubt. They are volunteers and are understaffed. With rare exceptions, they are trying to do a good job under difficult and trying circumstances.

Michael Flint spent a good deal of time on Straight Talk last Sunday taking the Salisbury Planning and Zoning Commission to task for being several weeks late in posting the minutes of its Jan. 16 meeting.

Now I believe in FOI law as strongly as the next guy. But it looks like either a commissioner forgot to write the minutes or the commission was having difficulty finding a recording secretary (probably both, judging by what was said at the P&Z meeting I attended last Tuesday). Now, if the minutes had not been filed because the commission was trying to keep information from public view, that would be another story. But I see no evidence of that.

Similarly, Mike had words for First Selectman Curtis Rand, who failed to follow up on the previous adminsitration’s passage of a code of ethics for town officials. It looks like a simple case of something that got lost in the transition from the Bernardoni to Rand administrations.

Now if Curtis had dragged his feet because he was hiding some wrongdoing in town government, I would be the first to seize on it. But again, I see no evidence of it.

I don’t blame Mike for what he is doing. He is trying to engage his listeners in the same way that I’m trying to get my readers involved. We have different approaches, but (on balance), I’m glad he’s out there raising questions. If you don’t like it, hit the mute button — or listen to Leo!

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30 responses so far ↓

1 samantha // May 10, 2007 at 9:28 pm

Couldn’t agree more. IF any of that was a deliberate attempt to deceive the public or was corrupt, everyone would “seize on it” and everyone would see how very wrong it is. But, I believe as you, it was a simple oversight or a lack of volunteers to get the task accomplished. It’s hard for me to understand why someone would condemn people who volunteer so much of their time for the community. Can you imagine where we would be if they all stopped? Can you imagine what are taxes would be if we had to pay them all for their time? The constant ridicule, false accusations and twisting of the truth in an attempt to gain listeners - is not OK, its just plain wrong! That’s not journalism, that’s the Enquirer (and I don’t buy that either) Especially from anyone who does not give the same for their town.
As I said, I have been on many commissions, most outside of here, its always a thankless job. When’s the last time you went up to a member of your Board of Finance, Board of Appeals, P&Z, etc., and said, “thanks for taking time away from your family, thanks for giving up two nights a month, thanks for reviewing all the town’s finances, thanks for caring enough to be willing to volunteer.”
2 Michael Flint // May 11, 2007 at 5:30 am

I should first like to note that I have in NO WAY â€¦ REPEAT â€¦ NO WAY â€¦ suggested that this is some conspiracy to hide anything or to cover something up!

I HAVE related the facts of inconsistent record keeping, which whether anyone likes it or not, is a VIOLATION OF FOI.

I have also related the facts behind the adoption of the Code of Ethics and the abandonment of the enforcement or basic acknowledgement of the existence of the document. I believe that a board of Selectmen should carry through on its enactments! And, BTW â€¦ members of THIS board are PAID for their function.

If there are those out there who believe that violating the Connecticut General Statues (FOI) is acceptable as long as it is done by hard working volunteers, then you need to change the law to state that. I simply state the facts and the truth â€¦ sometimes painful to some folks.

Finally, in answer to samantha â€¦

I serve a useful purpose in this picture â€¦ watching the candy store â€¦ which is a public service. I should also note to you that I film meetings for public airing, which takes time from my family and life, so that the public may be informed. I donâ€™t hear any THANK YOUS for that!

I would finally note that my work is done in public and you know who I am â€¦ I DO NOT HIDE BEHIND SOME UNKOWN IDENTITY â€¦ I serve my community and I do it with pride! People know who I am and they know what I say about themâ€¦ Can you say the same? At least that holds me accountable for the things I say and do.
3 samantha // May 11, 2007 at 5:58 am

Mr. Flint, I have no idea who you are so I guess we’re even. I do know that you have a talk show based on what I have read and heard, but have yet to see or hear it. Taping the shows is wonderful if its really done as a service to the community and not as a way to try and dig up “dirt”, especially when there is none.
Many people respond to this blog with only their first name - I don’t see this same message being sent to them - or is it because I dont agree with your tactics? Now lets not go tit for tat - its not the purpose of the blog and serves no one. OK?
4 samantha // May 11, 2007 at 5:59 am

oops- I meant taping the “meetings”, not the shows.
5 Marshall Miles // May 11, 2007 at 6:14 am

Samantha..

Just some info about who does shows and how at CATV 6 and AMA 1020 WHDD.

The taping of town meetings by, Mike, Brian, Paul Phyliss, et al IS done as a public service. No one gets paid, all our volunteers do it as a public service, they inject no personal opinions, just show up, tape the meetings and drop them off for playback!

Now, if they do a show, they have complete control over its content, and by the way, anyone can do a show if they want to…our cable and radio stations are public, non-profit stations designed for local broadcasting!

Anyone, liberal, conservative, moderate, Republican, Democrat, Independent, ANYONE can do a show…as long as they committ to do it!

BTW..I love this blog!!!
6 samantha // May 11, 2007 at 6:34 am

Me too. I was away for three weeks and missed the blog.
Thanks for the info Mr. Miles. Are these shows to discuss public events with an attempt to raise awareness of what is happening in the local communities? I have only heard about the Sunday show and can not give a personal opinion because I have not seen it - I am not at home on most Sunday mornings - church and all. But, I have heard that it is designed more to “stir up trouble” than to promote the positive happenings in these small towns. In my opinion, if you constantly have nothing good to say then nothing is gained for anyone, including the viewers and the speaker generally loses credibility. Remember that old saying ‘ if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all’ Well - there is a whole lot of good going on.
7 Marshall Miles // May 11, 2007 at 7:11 am

Stir up trouble…thats a wrong representation of Mike’s show, and what CATV 6 and AM 1020 WHDD are all about. We are about total access for anone to produce, host, and air theri own shows…TRUE FREE SPEECH.

If stirring up trouble is offering a differing viewpoint, one that points out irregularities, no matter how small they seem, a viewpoint that sheds light on areas that no light has been shed, a viewpoint that allows anyone with opposing thoughts to call in and give their point of view..if this is stirring up trouble, I am mystified!

It is wrong to characterize what Mike does as stirring up trouble, people on the receiving end might not like it, but, they have options to counter anything they think is inaccurate, either on Mikes show, or my show!

Or, thier own show.

Your invited to stop by and see the studios, talk with me, and get a better understanding on what local access television is about, adn what local non-profit radio is about!
8 Janet Manko // May 11, 2007 at 8:24 am

Well said, Marshall. And I’ll add I feel the same way about the letters to the editor pages in our newspapers, and the comments on our blogs - Open to everyone, of any ideological frame of mind, with something to say. The more voices we hear and understand, the better we understand our world.
9 Terry // May 11, 2007 at 8:36 am

I now part company with Samantha on this. When I was editor of The Millerton News, I got many complaints about a regular column called The Webutuck Watchdog, written by Peter Judge, who kept a vigil over the school board’s every move.

People told me Judge was trying to tear down the school district and that his views were a disservice to the community. I respectfully disagreed with them and offered them the same space. No one took me up on the offer.

I think Marshall and the many fine people at TriState Public Communications are doing a tremendous service to the community.

Samantha, you have conceded that you have never listened to Mike’s show but have concluded nonetheless that he is trying to stir up trouble. Give him a listen. Better yet, call in and debate him. He’s a nicer guy than you might think.

P.S. Michael, I didn’t mean to suggest you are imputing ill motives to the public officials in Salisbury, just that in the absence of such evidence I wouldn’t have chosen to make such a big deal about it. You felt otherwise, which is the beauty of our system. A multiplicity of voices can be heard on venues such as your show and my blog. I say the more, the merrier.
10 samantha // May 11, 2007 at 8:47 am

WHOA! Pull back the reigns. I specifically said I could not give a PERSONAL opinion as I have never seen or heard any of the shows on CATV6 (and I assume since I have satellite can’t watch it any way). I simply repeated what I heard - no personal opinion. My ONLY personal opinion was that there is a lot of good going on and that, basically, is what I would like to hear more about.
I also said I don’t know Mike Flint and actually don’t know Marshall Miles. Wouldn’t know either one if they knocked on my door. I wouldn’t begin to judge someone I have never met nor spoken with, that would be absurd. “Being a nicer guy than I might think” ?? Where did that come from?
11 Janet // May 11, 2007 at 9:00 am

Interesting Threadâ€¦.However before rushing to judgment based on hearsay, the show in question should really be viewed. If you miss this program on Sundays it is rebroadcast throughout the week â€“ the schedule can be found at:
http://www.catv11.com/. Along with that show is a very extensive web page: http://www.straighttalkmedia.com/. (You CAN watch the show on your computer if you have Satellite at http://www.catv11.com/.) This page has all the information about the Region One Budget (and other topics) that was available to help the public make their own decision. This information CAME from Region One - was not made up and was totally FACTUAL. BTW, this was the ONLY place this information was available. Region One does not post any budget information on their web page. Yes, you could have obtained it by driving to the High School, asking for it. If it was something they donâ€™t normally print, you might have been asked to pay for the copies which is what Mike, the web and Straight Talk host does. Much time (unpaid) copies (paid for out of pocket) go into the web page and every show. Volunteer work for the good of the communityâ€¦â€¦Things we have the right to know even if we disagree.
12 Marshall Miles // May 11, 2007 at 9:06 am

Samantha…no one here at CATV 6 or AM 1020 WHDD, especially myself, is commenting on your personal opinion!

In fact, we LOVE personal opinions! That is what makes us tick!!!

By the way, you can watch us (CATV 6) on the internet at

http://www.catv6.com

On AM radio, just tune to 1020!!

We put on plenty of good news in a varitey of shows as well as shows about news, politics, etc… I would say its a safe bet to say that the good news to “bad news” ratio on both our stations is 70% good and 30% “bad”…even though I personaly don’t consider different opinions, or investigative reporting and opinion as “bad news”!!
13 samantha // May 11, 2007 at 9:21 am

And Terry, most of my reaction is based on your opinion in this same report. Perhaps I misunderstood but were you not insinuating that perhaps Mr. Flint’s comments on the minutes and whatever transpired between the former and current Selectmen, was not necessary?
Part of the problem with “writing” is that it is subject to interpretation. I know my previous post was definitely misinterpreted and perhaps I misinterpreted your report as well.
14 samantha // May 11, 2007 at 9:28 am

And Marshall - here is my personal opinion on any level - be it the newspaper, the radio, the television or just a conversation. Everyone has a right to their opinion - couldn’t agree more. And everyone should be allowed to state their opinion. Absolutely, that is what makes this country great. But IF its done in a public forum where accusations are made, then those accusations should be 100% accurate with facts (not opinions) to back it up. I am NOT saying that doesn’t happen on your show, again, never seen it. But it does happen all to often and many times innocent people are hurt because of it.
15 samantha // May 11, 2007 at 9:30 am

and further more, my opinion is we all need some coffee!
16 William // May 11, 2007 at 12:06 pm

And you wonder why people want to reamin anonymous on the blog and not speak up at meetings?
17 samantha // May 11, 2007 at 1:33 pm

That happens a lot William and its too bad. I left off my first name at first only because I didn’t think I needed it - so many people don’t give it. I certainly didn’t leave it off to “hide” - its a small town - “hiding” isn’t possible.
But now I can see why people do remain anonymous. Had my usual coffee at The Roast (delicious coffee by the way) and am ready to go back at it. Where are you boys? This can be fun and advantageous to the community - as long as its kept in perpective and rememebered that this is a blog, not an act of Congress.
18 Terry // May 11, 2007 at 2:20 pm

Oh, come on, folks. No one wrote anything here that was mean or hurtful. That having been said, you do have to have something of a tough hide to express your views in the public square. That’s why I strongly prefer my commenters leave their real full name. I always do when I comment on other people’s blogs.

However, I respect their decision not to do so. After all, I am used to having people question my opinions and even my motives. Others would like to make their views known without attracting attention.

Samantha, let’s meet for coffee one of these days at The Roast and talk about it. That way I get to find out who you are, although I have my suspicions …
19 samantha // May 11, 2007 at 4:43 pm

Now Terry - I am insulted that you do not know who I am when we have met several times and unless I am traveling, see each other at least a few times a week. I must leave you with one heck of an impression. My real name is Samantha, by the way, but it is not commonly known. I shall continue to go by just my first name but not because of this stuff. I will now remain just Samantha (you know like Cher, Madonna, Prince, etc) only because it keeps the boys wondering. It makes this so much more fun.
And please - give me a break - leaving only your first name, or no name, does not mean you should not be listened or responded to. ITS A BLOG!
20 Terry // May 11, 2007 at 5:29 pm

Samantha,

You have me stumped. I guess the only way to find out who you are is to stake out The Roast.

BTW I never suggested an anonymous commenter “should not be listened or responded to.” Au contraire, I and the readers of this blog listen to and respond to you regularly.

Thanks for your comments.
21 samantha // May 11, 2007 at 8:09 pm

I wasn’t referring to you Terry. See you at the Roast.
22 samantha // May 13, 2007 at 11:08 am

Now I can say I have watched Mr. Flint’s show and can state my own personal opinion must go with the “hearsay” as is referenced above. I watched with a dear friend this morning and was quite surprised to see half the show dedicated to me - an honor I truly do not deserve. ;-)I do not believe quoting partial responses, and not all the responses, is reporting the “facts”. It is misleading. No where in my post did I reference a “recording secretary” - an intelligent person would have to assume there wasn’t one present at the meeting Terry referenced. I referred to the volunteer board members - not a paid secretary and NO WHERE did I even mention a secretary. But is this not what Mr. Flint tried to portray this morning - “Samantha doesn’t know the facts” - based on what? What “fact” above includes a recording secretary? Again, if anyone chooses to voice their opinion in an open forum and make accusations, that opinion should be backed up with real facts, not made up ones or twisted ones. Otherwise the only thing you’ve accomplished is to mislead the viewers. To purposely leave out pieces of blog posts, or not read all the relevant posts is again, misleading. I am sure, however, anyone listening would be smart enough to check out this blog for the real facts.
Although I did find the show comical, I doubt I will tune in again. Now lets not do the tit for tat - I did what y’all suggested. I watched the show and now have my own personal opinion. And y’all love personal opinions, right? That is all.
It is time for bloody mary’s and brunch with my dear children and friends at the Hart. Happy Mothers Day to all the Mom’s out there.
23 Barney Beaver // May 13, 2007 at 12:53 pm

Samantha…
As President of Tri-State Public Communications, and as a last time to post on this particular item on the blog…

1) do not believe quoting partial responses, and not all the responses, is reporting the â€œfactsâ€. It is misleading

Mike is NOT reporting…he is giving his OPINION, plain and simple, opinions are far different than reporting..

2)Again, if anyone chooses to voice their opinion in an open forum and make accusations, that opinion should be backed up with real facts, not made up ones or twisted ones.

Again, Mike’s “twisted” facts, are indeed twisted to you, and others, but to yet others, its not so twisted! Thats whats great about opinions, thoughts, and interpetations…everyone has a different one!!

3)Samantha doesnâ€™t know the factsâ€ - based on what?

!!!!!Based on his opinion!!!!

Anyway, thanks for giving it a try! I did not expect you to become a regular!! But I give you credit for giving it a go!!

BTW, I was at the HART for brucnch this AM…I missed you!!

Keep posting

Marshall
24 Terry // May 13, 2007 at 4:35 pm

Wow. I wasn’t aware Marshall had left TriState. Welcome aboard, Barney. Please forgive me for calling beavers “little bastards.” Now can I have my own talk show?
25 samantha // May 13, 2007 at 5:05 pm

Had I known you were there I would have let you but me a drink, Marshall.
I hear what you are saying - but Mr. Flint states over and over again that he “simply states the facts and the truth”. He says it above and on the show this morning. Now if he is indeed just stating his opinion, he should start each sentence with “in my opinion Samantha doesn’t know the facts”; “in my opinion, Samantha was referring to a secretary, a paid secretary”., or at least make the listeners aware that there are no facts to back this up, this is simply his opinion on someone he doesn’t know. And when he says he is reading posts from a blog, wouldn’t it be more truthful, ethical and factual if he read the whole post, not just pieces of what someone says? and not only the pieces that he has something he can twist it to match his “opinion”? Marshall, dear, he based his whole issue on Samantha not knowing the facts on the “recording secretary” - when was that discussed in this blog? But, I admit, I laughed a lot this morning and thank him for that. Unlike others I know who watched, I am not angry, I thought it was all very amusing. If you can’t laugh, you shouldn’t watch?
Terry, Can you please come up with something more interesting for us to discuss? Don’t get me wrong, I feel like a celebrity now that I’ve been discussed on Mr. Flint’s show - I even went out and purchased Jackie O sunglasses so no one would approach me for autographs after this morning, but let’s move on. I’m only here for another few days and will be blogless for a while.
26 Marshall Miles // May 13, 2007 at 9:20 pm

Barney has been laid to rest…

Poor bastard!!

Long live Beaver hater, AARP card carrying, beardless blogger Cowgill!!!

Now lets hope this blog item sleeps with the fishes..or beavers!!
27 Doug Richardson // May 14, 2007 at 12:43 pm

Samantha:

I admire your sanguinity about this.

The simple fact is: when you have your own radio show you can say whatever you want, label it as opinion, and be accountable to no one.

Arguing about this is like shoveling flies.
28 samantha // May 14, 2007 at 1:54 pm

Never thought about it like that Doug, but I guess you are right. Unfortunate but true. Maybe there should be a code of ethics signed by all radio/tv COMMENTATORS adopted by the board and signed off by each, filed by a PAID recording secretary within a certain time limit determined by the freedon of information people and in turn reviewed by the public.
Now don’t get your knickers in a twist boys its just humor.
29 Marshall Miles // May 14, 2007 at 6:33 pm

The simple fact is: when you have your own radio show you can say whatever you want, label it as opinion, and be accountable to no one.

Now, now Doug….everyone who is on radio or television is accountable…There is a ccountability that lies directly on my shoulders. If someone ahs a complaint, I an not afraid to talk about it, and I mean with the person who complains, and the show host. Now, in big markets its to advertisers money, in tiny markets like ours, its my reputation. I think I keep myself intouch with listeners, residents, politicians, and my show hosts.

You know wghere to find me, and you know, you can always get airtime to agree, disagree, whatever.

Tyhe airwaves are open to everyone, period. Accountability lies wioth not only the show host, or myself, it lies with everyone.

Goodnihgt Mrs. kalabash, wherever you are
30 Doug Richardson // May 15, 2007 at 1:01 pm

Marshall:

My remarks had nothing to do with you, your show, or Tri-State Broadcasting.

Peace.

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