The reason this is a story, the Globe notes, is because of "rumors and Facebook posts."
I am not one of those purists who believe that rumors have no place in the news. Often they play a prime role in the things that happen and therefore, they should be reported and the truth should be discovered.
Debby Woodin, who wrote the page one story, has had a long and solid journalistic career with the Globe. What a shame that the editors are now using her to chase down rumors about Bill Scearce and Trisha Raney.
The story makes it clear that Raney lives in Joplin. The headline does not.
"Council member says she has moved," the headline reads. If people are not familiar with this story, that headline is certainly not going to make them want to read it. For those who are familiar, it makes it look as if there is still some doubt about where Ms. Raney lives.
The subhead reads, "City Clerk: Council packets delivered to Trisha Raney at Joplin address."
A better use of the time might be doing some research to see where these stories are starting. The rumors, combined with the Globe headline (there are going to be people who will just scan the headlines and say, "Sure, she says she lives in the city" and never bother to read the story) may be enough to make a difference in the April 8 election.
The rumor has already been given credence by the Globe's regular "guest columnist" Anson Burlingame on his blog:
It seems that Trish Raney, very much in my gun sights as a candidate, lived in Joplin when she was last elected. However over the last couple of years she evidently began a relationship and later married a man living in Webb City. Supposedly she now lives in Webb City with her husband but still owns a home in Joplin.
The question of course becomes is she a legal resident of Joplin, which she must be to run for City Council. I make no attempt at a legal judgment on that point. But if someone actually lives “out of town” but still owns property in Joplin, that does not sound like a residence, at least to me. I would think one must actually live in Joplin to qualify as a candidate for city council.
When a writer has someone "very much in my gun sights," (an unfortunate, but telling remark), he had better make absolutely sure he is right. There is a reason, for instance, why I back up what I write with multiple sources and often with supporting documents.
The Globe's role in this election is being carefully scrutinized and it should be. If it wants to explore the Raney story, it needs to find out just who is planting those rumors...and it is time, long past time, that the newspaper cuts any ties to Anson Burlingame.
Three things...
ReplyDelete1. It is incredibly disrespectful of this "blogger" to refer to Ms. Raney as Trish. He is certainly not a friend or family member who should take liberties with her given name.
2. The "gun sights" comment is inappropriate and intended to insinuate threat. This is what a "blogger" must resort to when they are desperately trying to spread rumors.
3. I know Trisha personally and she has lived in the same home, 365 days per year, for nearly a decade.
The Joplin Globe is s useless rag and has proven this fact multiple times.
Did the Globe identify their "source" for this story? Or have they decided it is ok to use anonymous sources?
ReplyDeleteTrisha Raney represents a lot of us who are not wealthy and politically connected. I admire her very much and will definitely vote for her again
Trisha didn't live in Joplin she moved. The Globe actually went by the house she claimed Joplin residency at many times before ever seeing her. Her neighbors even stated she was never there. Some how for some reason she cracked under pressure and joined forces with the good ole boy political system of Joplin. Owning property in Joplin and loving there is two different things entirely. She should just be honest. It would set a good example for her city council counterparts.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the randy and the 2 comments but there might be more to the globe story:
ReplyDeleteI think the globe also was trying to let people know that Ms Rainey is just an ordinary person and not worthy of the position that she has been thrust into as a council person. Only very educated and special people (like carol stark) should be in public office. research would probably show that stark was instrumental in forming the Joplin PAC. We know that ordinary people do a better job than the elitists but that must be kept quiet.
Second putting my name and address on the front page unnecessarily would make me upset. Stark probably would not want hers on the front page. there are too many kooks like Burlingame out there.
The globe needs to print as many stories as it can by Anson Burlingame because bloggers and newspaper editors who think like him are the reason that the globe subscriptions are plummeting. Eventually someone will come along and make the globe into a newspaper that doesn't try to rip a community apart for its own selfish reasons.
The globe is urging people to vote to make changes in council that the globe wants.
People also need to drop their globe subscriptions until we get the changes in leadership at the globe that we want.
Anson Burlingame always shares his wrong opinions on the Globe and they thrive on printing the drivel. Im glad there readership has plummeted and this guy is one big reason. He is all rumor and innuendos not backed up by any facts. His politics is white washed one sided talk radio. He supports untrue conspiracy theories that the nuts and crazies believe. Trisha Raney represents the common people of Joplin and is in no way part of the good ol boys club. They try to smear her because they dont want someone actually representing the citizens interests. Trisha Raney is the best Choice for the City Council. I support her 100%
ReplyDeleteDid anyone ever stop to think that the reason she wasn't at home when the Globe reporters were stalking her is because she works full time, serves on the council, belongs to several community groups, and has 2 children. You would be hard pressed to randomly knock on my door and find me at home. That doesn't mean I don't live here. I am sorry if you have nothing in your life but sitting in your house to answer your door.
ReplyDeletethe globe doesn't care about reporting the news-they just want to shape it
ReplyDeleteOK,
ReplyDeleteI made a public statement, actually asked a question, in a blog and now must support why I did so. It was not an attempt to spread rumor and innuendo however.
I was told by a private source in a private conversation the information provided in the blog, about Raney's actual residence. I did nothing with that information initially.
However the same accusation was given to the Mayor, I was told, and the Mayor immediately headed to the office of the City Attorney to find out what was up. That is when I decided to blog, not write a column in the Globe, on the matter. I figured if it got the attention of the Mayor then I would put the information in a blog as well.
I have no idea where Raney lives, what her official residence might be, who she lives with, etc., etc. I know nothing about Raney, personally. But yes, I do object to her politics as shown in how she votes on critical issues in Joplin and its redevelopment. No question in my mind that she is part of the Bloc of Five causing all sorts of uproar by many in Joplin.
So, for all you detractors commenting herein, go ask the Mayor if she raised the issue with the City Attorney, concerning where Raney resides.
I suspect all is legal and above board now, but there are still some holes to fill if one wanted to perpetuate the residency issue related to Raney. Yes, according to the Globe, Raney receives "council packages" at her Joplin address. But I did not see any comments about where she receives her regular mail, did you? But that is a nit, I suppose.
But be assured as well, I will write against the election of both Golden and Raney, not out of personal animosity of any sort but with grave political misgivings about how they govern this city. If you don't like that political view of mine and the manner in which I express it then don't read my blog for sure, just like I rarely read this one unless my name is use herein, usually in disdain, which is Randy's right to do.
Anson