Methinks Councilman Trader has a valid point.

From: Chuck Trader

Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:56:57 -0500

To: ;

Subject: Biased and negative poll posted by The Tribune and Georgian



RE: Biased and negative poll presented by the Tribune & Georgia (SEE BELOW)



Friends:



As many of you know, the negative approach that seems to be regularly taken by our local press can be a cancer to our community (St. Marys and Camden County as a whole). I believe much of the reporting and negative connotation is something that needs more facts and balance. Whether you believe the St. Marys City Council is doing a good job or poor job in light of the difficult times and difficult decisions, it should be an individual and personal opinion. It should not be impacted by the negative approach of reporting and selling newspapers.



My approach in sending this e-mail is not intended to change your opinion but rather to point out the biased online poll that the Tribune and Georgian has posted on their website. This poll regarding the recent grand jury presentation by 3 citizens and their attorney has led to choices that only have negative connotations. My frustration is that there is no question or option in the ONLINE POLL that provides for any citizen to provide a positive response that is supportive of the City Council. I know there are many that believe the City Council is doing the best job they can and a good job in fulfilling their responsibilities with actions and efforts that are in the best LONG TERM interests of the citizens of the city. I also know there are those out there that disagree with some of the decisions and I respect their opinions.



Whether you live in St. Marys or Camden County (It affects us all) I would ask that you consider contacting Jill Helton at the Tribune and Georgian and request that their reporting be factual and fair and without a biased approach. This biased approach in this poll is not fair to the citizens of this community and will only lead to reporting of results that have negative connotations. I want to know the public’s opinion but much of the news is generated from a small organized group of citizens that choose to find fault as opposed to work together for a better cause.



Thank you for allowing me to share in my frustration as I attempt to work toward a fair and balanced approach based on facts as opposed to bias. Unless we work together to contact Jill and make a formal request for balance, we will continue to allow for actions that negatively impact our community. Her e-mail is publisher@tribune-georgian.com and she can be reached at 912-882-4927.



I appreciate your kind consideration and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!



Chuck Trader









ONLINE POLL

Do you think that the St. Marys residents' presentation to the Camden grand jury will effect any change in the city?

( )Yes, I think the city council will finally realize that they need to get their act together.

( )Yes, I think the grand jury will make a ruling that will force the city to re-examine the way it does business.

( )No, I don't think things will change at the city until elections next year.

[Vote] View Results


Update at 10:18, 12/21:

Well now! Very interesting. This morning, the T&G has blinked.

They have added a 2 new choices (the last 2.) .


Compare the way the poll reads now to the way Chuck accurately listed the original version in his e-mail above.




ONLINE POLL


Do you think that the St. Marys residents' presentation to the Camden grand jury will effect any change in the city?




Yes, I think the city council will finally realize that they need to get their act together.


Yes, I think the grand jury will make a ruling that will force the city to re-examine the way it does business.


No, I don't think things will change at the city until elections next year.


I think the presentation is not valid


I think the city council already does a great job


View Results


Thanks, T&G. Now, why don't you run the poll again tomorrow to give equal time to those who are satisfied with the current mayor and council?

To cast your vote on the T&G poll, click here:

http://www.tribune-georgian.com/