It is very frustrating that we have a "LOCAL" paper that reports on county supervisors meetings, but when it comes to the FLOYD Town Council Meetings, there is limited if no coverage.
For instance, at the last Council meeting, there was NO reporter present. But an article by Roger of the Floyd Press was written as if he were. Where did he get his information? He did not listen to a recording of the meeting as the Town has ceased to record them. The only recording is that which is done by Dennis Wagner. Therefore, Roger got second hand information that was limited by memory and only what the person conveying the information wanted to be printed.
This is NOT responsible reporting.
It is unfortunate that the Floyd Press does not think it of benefit to report on Town issues as it is very easy for everyone to see that there is a whole lot going on in the Town of Floyd. Citizens need to be abreast of it all in the same timely fashion as the Supervisors meetings are covered.
In fact, many times, Council states that they can discuss certain things because a member of the Press is NOT present. That is sad way for our local government to conduct business!
Additionally, there has been a "mandatory audit" hanging over the Town with regard to the numerous grants that have been written. Yet, to date, none has been completed.
Mike Patton as acting Mayor at the last Town Council meeting, stated that we don't want to be under fire like the county was when Doug Thompson reported on their audit. So the Town of Floyd is preparing just what excuses they are going to use in the event of that possibility. The Town has never had an audit! The Town Clerk stated that the size of our Town does not mandate audit, but wouldn't a prudent and fiscally responsible government agency want to do this as stewards of "our money".
There have several meetings where concerned citizens have presented their issues and Mayor Bishop just "laughs them off" - these concerns and the Mayor's behavior should have been reported.
Also, at the last meeting a concern citizen drove over an hour just to have his issue addressed. That never happened regardless of the numerous conversations with the Town Clerk that week stating "it was going to be address" on that evening! Interestingly, this citizen arrived but the other party who was opposed did NOT! They were apparently told by the Town Clerk that is was NOT going to be addressed. These types of things go on all the time with this Town Council and Town Management. It is called "PREFFERENTIAL TREATMENT" for some while making others go out of their way needlessly! Why is the Floyd Press not willing to take on this responsibility in the same fashion it addresses the Supervisors meetings?
How about the nearly $35,000.00 the Town of Floyd has spent on a brand new street sweeper for the Town? Why is it that this equipment is not being used? It sits virtually useless in some building. The old "OUT OF SITE, OUT OF MIND" thought process as with other pieces of UNUSED machinery!
These are just a few of the facts that could and should be reported on and as stated before, ALL meetings are recorded and available to anyone Including the Floyd Press to assure accurate reporting. I would encourage all town residents and business persons to attend these meetings as the actions of the Town Government affects each and everyone of us. For those who absolutely cannot attend these meetings, a recording is and has been made available at no cost.
The Town of Floyd needs responsible reporting at ALL Town Meetings by someone who is willing to write the COLD and HONEST facts as they happen, not coming to a meeting and covering up the real issues or coming after the fact, for hearsay! That is NOT reporting!
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