MEDIA, Sturino takes shot at the Forest Park Review [FP]

Forest Park Post had Mike Sturino write a column. Sturino used his column to blast... columnists.

A Year in Review
By Michael J. Sturino, Village Administrator

Media. Local press can be an invaluable partner in getting out the news. But of course, their job is to sell newspapers—as the saying goes, “if it bleeds, it leads.” And when controversy erupts after incessant coverage that looks like it’s been ghost-written by a lawyer who want to bleed money out of the Village, the newspaper is shocked, shocked that politicians are discussing such “unimportant” issues. Some political writers think they can also be objective reporters—and that’s just not an honest or ethical position to take. I was praised when first appointed because I am apolitical. I still am. Fact is, I’m so apolitical, I won’t even talk to political columnists (even when they’re masquerading as reporters). But I remain committed to working effectively with media to ensure that the story, and not the spin, gets out.

Earlier in the column Sturino wrote:

Residents. In the Village’s new organization chart that I have prepared, residents are placed above the elected officials, above the Village Administrator, above it all…. I very much enjoy having direct contact with residents….

Form of Government. The Forest Park Review has often lamented the Commission-form of government under which we operate…. Staff cannot usurp authority merely because a disgruntled opinion writer at the Review wants it that way….

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