It is getting worse. Methinks the SM Post needs to hire some reporters who a) understand government and b) do historical research. Or, maybe they can't affor those type of reporters. Heck, they run enough "sponsored" items (that look like news articles) and their staff is constantly pleading for subscribers to get $$$ into the system. Oh well......
In that left leaning ludicrous article, which appears to try and toss aspersions on the current city council, they were missing a few key points about the council not approving the reappointment of Alan Willoughby to the Planning Commission.
First, as a member of the Planning Commission he is a part of the government of the city. Guess what. It's a no-no to use an official position in the city to advocate for or against an item that is to be voted on by the citizens. His wearing of that t-shirt, on the dais was contrary to that.
Now, if the reporter had done some research she might have come across this article and others at that point in time including doing a search of this blog. Mr. Willoughby was appointed to fill an eunexpired position on the city council which resulted in the Mayor, Jeff Meyers and various council members being called out by the JoCo DA for violating the spirit of the KOMA. Then, when he lost the election to serve a full term (the basis of most of the article) Mayor Jeff Meyers nominated him to be reappointed to the Planning Commission. He had previously served there. The vote for the appointment was evenly split 4-4. So, Jeff Meyers broke the tie and voted yea. Oh, did I mention, that Willoughby is Jeff Meyers' uncle by marriage. That's right, let's keep Uncle Alan in positions of importance, or piss off your spouse.
Some folks wanted to know how Uncle Alan got reappointed four years ago. That's easy to answer. Mayor Distler recommended the reappointment and the council at that time (which had a different philosophical make up) voted to approve.
As we get into another election season I really think the full time reporters for the SM Post need to study the functions and operations of government and also learn how to research for their articles. My opinion, and I'm entitled to it.
