Utica Observer Dispatch Reporting - Huh?

[arkangel]

Reporters who work for the Utica Observer Dispatch need to obtain the facts before they report the news.

Last night, there was a meeting held in Butler Hall regarding the Rayhill Trail Extension. The O.D. reporter reported how many people attended the meeting, however, he failed to mention that only four town of New Hartford residents were in attendance. The rest of the individuals were from the NYS Dept. of Transportation, Supt. of New York Mills High School, several Town employees (i.e. Highway Dept., Police Department, Plannning, etc.)

The BIGGEST problem with these meetings is the FAILURE of the town government in advertising these meetings to the town residents. Why do they do this? Because they want limited exposure and questions asked.

This reporter failed to mention that the $842,000 in funding there was only $800,000 remaining. The bigger question to be answered was, "how much will that bridge cost that they want crossing over Sauquoit Creek?

Let me guess, $500,000. So this leaves $300,000 left to build two miles of an addition to the Rayhill Trail.

Who will pay for the extra cost of police and maintenance. Yes, we all know...New Hartford Town Residents. It is sad that town residents are made to pay and they use it the least. Did everyone see the Utica resident who walked the trail - albeit from the Whitestown side not the New Hartford side.

[clarencebunsen]

Just wondering - any sourcing for the statement that the town residents use the trail the least?

[concerned]

A number of newspapers are closing shop, will OD be on that list

[Clipper]

It is doubtful, but I have to imagine that the possibility is what drove the train that brought about the "Utica Daily News" page that I have been enjoying daily.

Bill Keeler and company have formulated a real pool of talents that have launched an online news page that already rivals the page offered by the OD after all these years of experience. They have only existed for a week or so, and already, the only thing I need to go to the OD page for is the Obits.

I have always thought that the Rome Daily Sentinel, while smaller, was a much better publication. I could envision the Sentinel publishing a "Utica Edition" or even publishing a Utica paper. The Sentinel is a small operation, with a small press, but it is well managed, and very capable. The size of their facility may dictate that the Sentinel be an afternoon paper, and the Utica paper be a morning publication, or that they simply print a separate edition comprised of a second "local" section to be substituted in the papers delivered to Utica, to supplement their present paper, such as the OD does for the Valley.

Having worked in management at the OD, I find that the Sentinel is a much better managed organization, and it's small size has never been a limiting factor in the quality of the publication. The OD is simply sucked dry by corporate management and poorly managed by an extremely biased publisher. The bottom line and money paid to management and corporate are more important than the quality of news published. It should be called the New Hartford Daily News, or Platitudes to Political Pals.

[swampfox]

Clipper,

I agree completely.

UPDATE: Rumor has it that Dan Miner, O.D. Reporter will be doing an update of the Town of New Hartford - Frank Basile, CPA (N.H. Town Financial Consultant) regarding why they "parted" ways. It appears this supplemental "story" will more clearly define why Mr. Basile was parting ways. Could it be an illegal contract put before the Town Board by Concerned Citizens - www.newhartfordnyonline.blogspot.com ?

This report should be real interesting, especially, noting that it comes on the heels of another rumor that Town Supervisor - Earle Reed was served with a subpoena by Attorney Andrew Cuomo last June 2008. Supervisor Reed thought he was going to keep it quiet, however, a little bird told another little bird and the story will be told very shortly.

Incidentally, the O.D. was made aware of the subpoena, however, did nothing to report its existence or even a "news-flash" like they do for so many other storyies.

Yes, the O.D. Publisher (Donna Donovan) has a lot to do what not is being reported in the Town of New Hartford but is ready, willing and able to attack other cities, towns and villages...sometimes with a vengeance.