Published 1:23 pm Tuesday, March 3, 2015

When I first read the two-piece attack on the mayor and City Hall, I was appalled. But I didn’t think I would be responding. Criticism of Mr. Roegner would just give him fodder for his next column. But complain we must when we see this kind of journalism being presented as “expert opinion.”

One of the pieces is about how a city spokesperson responded to the word “fraud” used by a letter writer regarding the purchase of a piece of property as part of the downtown plan. As Mr. Roegner scolded City Hall, he accused the city of a lack of transparency on this whole issue. That’s not true at all. It may have been a deal made quickly; but I remember reading more than one explanation in the Mirror — including the mayor’s note on the matter. But from an “opinion” like that, Mr. Roegner will then weave his tales, turning vague innuendo into likelihood and expecting his opinions to be seen as fact.

Here are half a dozen things that jumped out at me from those two pieces. It speaks to the kind of journalistic standards we’re getting from the Mirror. Read the words of Mr. Roegner and see if you don’t agree with the responses:

Roegner: “When asked later, some Council members disagreed with Wilson’s statement and even the appropriateness of responding to Jarvis at all. Some felt Wilson’s response was heavy-handed and some simply thought Jarvis was entitled to his opinion.”

Response: “Some” is the issue here, as it’s wrong to simply toss that word out there — three times — without specifics. The word “some” is commonly used by those who lack specifics or key facts.

Roegner: “Overall, transparency has grown worse, not better and the city’s attempts to control and even intimidate some citizens and the media have become more direct and bold, particularly in the last several months.”

Response: Again with the transparency issue and again with the vague “some.”

Roegner: “The key to city executive staff behavior is Mayor Jim Ferrell. We know he has approved of some of their actions but we don’t know how much is on their own or directed by others using the mayor’s authority.”

Response: If we don’t know, why are you assuming the worst? Again, more baseless innuendo.

Roegner: “As a populist without a clear philosophical rudder, Ferrell has significant latitude. He offers much hope and holds much promise, but a course correction is needed.”

Response: Nice metaphor. But first he labels the mayor without explanation. Then he makes the philosophical claim as though it’s a fact. By the way, the mayor’s first year has seen enough successes to show us that he’s on a course that works. And course corrections will be made when necessary. The Performing Arts and Conference Center is, in my opinion, a perfect example of that.

Roegner: “All public officials, including mayors, want to ‘manage’ the media’s message to the public because they want to be liked and re-elected. City Hall doesn’t want the public to read about police cars crashing into homes, or shootings, police brutality, gangs, or hear questions about priorities regarding the need for the Performing Arts and Conference Center versus a homeless shelter, or cost overruns of the downtown park or a police widow who feels she was mistreated by city government.”

Response: So, what’s your point, Mr. Roegner? You tell us about “all” public officials, yet you then compile this broad list of selected items. Since we are in fact reading about those things in the Mirror, what are you accomplishing with your assertion that “City Hall doesn’t want the public to read about” them? There are four police-related items there. If you are upset with the police, write about it.

Roegner: “Ferrell’s supporters are entitled to their opinion … Some of the comments have become so uncivil, the Mirror found it necessary to remove several due to their caustic and personal nature.”

Response: Well, we all thank the Mirror for shielding us from that lack of civility. I wish we could count on the Mirror to keep a closer eye on its opinion writers. But remember comments to an article are a brief reaction to something they read. In any event, they aren’t getting prime space in the Mirror. I admit I have been outspoken against city decisions over the years. These days, I still see things I question. But I feel a lot better with this mayor and City Hall. So, when I see attacks like those Mr. Roegner made, I am compelled to respond. I hope readers will continue to do the same.

David McKenzie, Federal Way