June 8, 2009, Rite Aid Corporation announced it will offer $400 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2016.
According to its Web site, the notes "will be unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of Rite Aid Corporation and will be guaranteed by substantially all of Rite Aid's subsidiaries."
This offering is part of Rite Aid's comprehensive plan to refinance its 2010 debt maturities.
Rite Aid also announced in April, 2009, that it will be closing its distribution center in Newnan, Ga., by the end of September, 2009, according to Reuters.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Case Study Chapter 6
This case study involved a highly respected judge of a small town. Judge Long was known for being harsh on drug offenders and child molesters. He even held out-of-towners without bond until their court hearing. The community trusted him to do a good and fair job at eliminating crime in their town.
What the public didn't know was that several of Judge Long's rulings, 39 in fact, had been reversed by the appellate court in less than three years.
Investigative reporter Charles Miller, of the Middleton Daily News, found out the judge seemed to be abusing his power. In one case, Judge Long dismissed a juror stating, "the trial court may exercise its discretion and replace any juror who is experiencing a great deal of anxiety."
When the defendant's attorney asked to bring the juror in to find out if that was the situation, the judge said, "No, I'm not going to do that."
The judge didn't speak with the media, so Miller caught him in the courtroom just before returning to his chambers and asked him about the reversals of several of his cases.
Judge Long was not pleased and asked Miller if he was the reporter who wrote stories about police brutality. He defended the police officers for risking their lives on a daily basis for their community.
Miller did not get an answer from Judge Long about the reversals, but reported the story on his findings anyway. The public was not happy. They knew the judge to be a fair and honest man. Miller and the Middleston Daily News were scrutinized for being "soft on crime."
However, the owner and publisher of the newspaper was behind Miller's reporting. "The Old Man" wrote an editorial about Judge Long's "arrogant self-aggrandizement and propagation of incompetence" career. Clearly, the Old Man wasn't fond of the judge's practices.
Public opinion of Miller, the newspaper and Judge Long changed quickly. Judge Long took a sudden leave of absence and returned to a private practice of criminal law.
The public does not investigate elected officials. They see only what is on the surface and vote accordingly. It is up to investigative journalists to reveal discrepancies in a so-thought "squeaky clean" official.
What the public didn't know was that several of Judge Long's rulings, 39 in fact, had been reversed by the appellate court in less than three years.
Investigative reporter Charles Miller, of the Middleton Daily News, found out the judge seemed to be abusing his power. In one case, Judge Long dismissed a juror stating, "the trial court may exercise its discretion and replace any juror who is experiencing a great deal of anxiety."
When the defendant's attorney asked to bring the juror in to find out if that was the situation, the judge said, "No, I'm not going to do that."
The judge didn't speak with the media, so Miller caught him in the courtroom just before returning to his chambers and asked him about the reversals of several of his cases.
Judge Long was not pleased and asked Miller if he was the reporter who wrote stories about police brutality. He defended the police officers for risking their lives on a daily basis for their community.
Miller did not get an answer from Judge Long about the reversals, but reported the story on his findings anyway. The public was not happy. They knew the judge to be a fair and honest man. Miller and the Middleston Daily News were scrutinized for being "soft on crime."
However, the owner and publisher of the newspaper was behind Miller's reporting. "The Old Man" wrote an editorial about Judge Long's "arrogant self-aggrandizement and propagation of incompetence" career. Clearly, the Old Man wasn't fond of the judge's practices.
Public opinion of Miller, the newspaper and Judge Long changed quickly. Judge Long took a sudden leave of absence and returned to a private practice of criminal law.
The public does not investigate elected officials. They see only what is on the surface and vote accordingly. It is up to investigative journalists to reveal discrepancies in a so-thought "squeaky clean" official.
Financial Disclosures for Alan Mollohan
Alan B. Mollohan did not seem to be affected by the harsh economy of 2008. According to his financial disclosure documents, Mollohan’s income from 2007 to 2008 increased by $11,500 to $39,800 mainly from rent and income from a property ownership and management. Some income also came from royalties. That is an 11 percent increase from one year to the next.
The documents indicated Mollohan’s his personal assets from several rental properties and investments increased by $250,100 to $500,000, a 4 percent increase.
Eun Kyung Kim, reporter for FloridaToday.com, said, “All members of Congress are required to file personal disclosure statements annually, but they are required to report their assets and liabilities only in broad ranges, rather than specific amounts.”
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, opensecrets.org, members of Congress make approximately $169,000 annually. During a time when the economy isn’t doing well, many Americans are struggling while political figures are comfortable, to say the least.
However, several of these political figures have been caught in what some might consider a scandal.
In 2006, Mollohan’s personal assets totaled more than $6 million, which was quite an increase from 2000 when his assets totaled less than $600,000, according to the Pittsburgh-Tribune Review.
Because of this, the congressman was under federal investigation in 2007 for "omitting or misrepresenting personal financial dealings on required disclosure statements," said the Pittsburgh-Tribune Review.
Ken Boehm, chairman of the National Legal and Policy Center said the complaint included "real estate purchases Mollohan made with people heading companies or organizations that received federal funds he earmarked."
The Pittsburgh-Tribune Review said in 2006, Mollohan explained "inadvertent errors" on his financial reports as appreciated real estate holding and an inheritance from his father in a share of a Morgantown hotel.
Mollohan’s financial disclosures for 2003, 2004 and 2005 were each amended for different reasons.
His 2003 financial disclosure form was amended to show half ownership with his wife for “HHM, LLC, and a partnership created for property, ownership and management in Bald Head Island, N.C.,” according to Legistorm.com.
In 2004, Mollohan received a loan from Don and Laura Kuhn of Fairmont, W.Va., in the amount of $35,000, which he amended his financial disclosure to reflect. The Mollohans’ and Kuhns’ were in a 50/50 partnership to invest in five lots of land on Bald Head Island, N.C., which were bought for resale.
Mollohan’s wife received payment and interest in 2005 for Building Revenue Bond of Kanawha County, W.Va. Mollohan said the bonds were not in his wife’s possession at the time they were redeemed, but he amended his financial disclose to include the income and interest.
Mollohan seems to be reporting the right numbers lately, but the Washington Post reported Mollohan said in an interview he was unapologetic and proud of the thousands of jobs he brought to West Virginia, stating, “Legally speaking, everything he has done to secure (the jobs) is “squeaky clean”.”
However, Mollohan said, "I would have done things differently." "It puts you in a position where people could say there's something untoward going on," he said, according to the Post.
While the “scandal” hurt Mollohan’s reputation in Washington, the Post reported residents of West Virginia welcoming Mollohan home with open arms. He even received a standing ovation at a meeting about a missing child alert system that his legislation had underwritten in Morgantown, W.Va.
Mollohan is still working toward bettering the state of West Virginia. The House of Representatives passed Mollohan’s appropriations bill June 22, 2009, to “strengthen the federal government’s commitment to prevent and fight crime,” according to his Web site.
It seems that Mollohan’s financial disclosure set back didn’t hurt his career. He is still working with Congress and has quite a few more bucks in the bank than most West Virginians.
Road Salt Update
MSNBC, USA Today and WTRF reported several states running out salt to ice their roads last winter. The sites interview public works personnel about the shortage and asked how they were trying to prepare for the very snowy winter.
I spoke with the president of the Salt Institute in Alexandria, Va., Dick Hanneman about the "shortage." He said there wasn't a shortage.
Hanneman said, "Nobody ran out of salt." In February and May 2008, Hanneman spoke at conferences and sent out press releases stressing preparation for the upcoming winter. He said states needed to buy early to ensure the amount of salt they could get. Also, he said when salt is bought pre-season, it is cheaper.
Last winter, Hanneman said states and cities were "panic-buying" road salt in anticipation of the rough winter ahead. That is what caused the price of salt to increase by as much as three times the average amount per ton. Hanneman suggested in the previously mentioned press releases states should buy salt early to avoid price increases. Apparently, no one listened.
There was enough salt for each state, Hanneman said, some states just did not get the full amount they wanted.
Hanneman said, "We should be in decent shape to prepare for it," referring to winter 2009/2010. He stressed if state departments would do as the Salt Institute recommended, there will be no problem with salt "shortages" this winter.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Road Salt
Last winter was treacherous and so were the icy roads. Parts of the U.S. didn't even have enough road salt to cover every major highway. Several accidents were reported in the tri-state area.
USA Today reported in 2008 cities trying to stock up on road salt before snow came. With the cost of transportation and demand for salt high, and supply low, the report said the cost of a ton of road salt had doubled, and in some places tripled.
West Virginia experienced a shortage like many other states. Bob Whipp, district six engineer, said his company used to salt roads in Wheeling, W.Va., twice to speed up the melting process. However, last November his company only used the minimun amount recommended by the American Salt Institute.
The new stories about the shortage of salt are compelling enough, but why was there such a shortage? That's just what I'll ask the Salt Institute. Check back to find out.
USA Today reported in 2008 cities trying to stock up on road salt before snow came. With the cost of transportation and demand for salt high, and supply low, the report said the cost of a ton of road salt had doubled, and in some places tripled.
West Virginia experienced a shortage like many other states. Bob Whipp, district six engineer, said his company used to salt roads in Wheeling, W.Va., twice to speed up the melting process. However, last November his company only used the minimun amount recommended by the American Salt Institute.
The new stories about the shortage of salt are compelling enough, but why was there such a shortage? That's just what I'll ask the Salt Institute. Check back to find out.
Car Dealerships Much Better Off Than Last Summer
New-vehicle dealerships in the U.S. employ roughly 1.1 million employees, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association. NADA said car dealerships “generate millions of dollars of tax revenue for state and local governments.” With the recession and the demise of many car dealerships, the U.S. economy has weakened.
Just a year ago, the auto industry was in trouble and W.Va. was one of the states affected by high gas prices, according to New York Times’ Clifford Krauss. He said, “The combination of low incomes, high gas prices and heavy dependence on pickup trucks and vans is putting an even tighter squeeze on family budgets.”
Now, a year later, Krauss said the national average for gas is almost $2.62 a gallon. The gas price increase from that of early 2009 has not helped struggling Americans who are dealing with other issues, like unemployment due to the recession.
Car dealerships in W.Va., Ohio and Ky. have lost some business due to rising gas prices. David Adkins, sales and Internet manager for Turnpike Ford of Huntington, said the dealership hasn’t received any trucks on recent shipments. The dealership receives an allotment of vehicles based on their sales and since truck sales have declined, Turnpike Ford will receive only compact cars on their next shipment, Adkins said.
Jerry Cole, new-car sales manager at Glockner GM Superstore said when gas prices increase, customers bring in their truck or SUV for trade-in. He said he hasn’t sold many fuel-efficient vehicles, though, because when gas prices hit $3 a gallon, sales decline. “A lot of it is psychological,” Cole said. He and Kirk Gillenwater, sales consultant for Bedford South Point Ford, said customers still need their vehicles, but they have to get over the “first initial shock” of rising gas prices.
Gillenwater said in Appalachia, “trucks are used for lively-hood.” He said Bedford South Point Ford has sold, “a whole bunch of trucks.” Trucks are used more in W.Va., Ohio and Ky. than in other parts of the U.S., he said. However, he pointed out a dilemma the dealership has run in to recently.
He said rising gas prices have affected the dealership by lowering the resale value of vehicles, especially trucks. Gillenwater said a low resale value benefits his dealership when buying trucks at an auction. He can purchase the trucks for a low cost and if gas prices decline, he can sell those trucks at the estimated retail value. When dealing with trade-ins, however, Gillenwater said he loses money to his customers when gas prices are high.
Car dealerships companies do not lose much money on gasoline costs, though. Adkins said his dealership, Turnpike Ford of Huntington, keeps a quarter of a tank full in each car on its lot for test-drives. Other than that, the dealership doesn’t spend money on gasoline. Adkins and Cole said new vehicles shipped from manufacturers cost nothing to the dealership.
After a customer has purchased a vehicle, the dealership fills up the tank upon delivery, Cole said. There is also the cost of fuel to ship cars to houses or other dealerships, but the cost isn’t enough to worry about, according to Cole’s light tone.
Glockner GM Superstore has its own oil company, Glockner Oil. Cole said he uses the oil tank on site to fill the cars with gas. He said it is an expense to fill the tank, but takes out the hassle of driving to the nearest gas station. The vehicles on the Glockner lot get Glockner oil.
Krauss said rising gas prices in rural cities hurt not only the car dealership industry, but also consumers. Now, since prices aren’t soaring like they were, dealerships are beginning to rebound. Some are even staying afloat with recent car sales. But if gas prices increase quickly again, it looks close several more dealerships.
Just a year ago, the auto industry was in trouble and W.Va. was one of the states affected by high gas prices, according to New York Times’ Clifford Krauss. He said, “The combination of low incomes, high gas prices and heavy dependence on pickup trucks and vans is putting an even tighter squeeze on family budgets.”
Now, a year later, Krauss said the national average for gas is almost $2.62 a gallon. The gas price increase from that of early 2009 has not helped struggling Americans who are dealing with other issues, like unemployment due to the recession.
Car dealerships in W.Va., Ohio and Ky. have lost some business due to rising gas prices. David Adkins, sales and Internet manager for Turnpike Ford of Huntington, said the dealership hasn’t received any trucks on recent shipments. The dealership receives an allotment of vehicles based on their sales and since truck sales have declined, Turnpike Ford will receive only compact cars on their next shipment, Adkins said.
Jerry Cole, new-car sales manager at Glockner GM Superstore said when gas prices increase, customers bring in their truck or SUV for trade-in. He said he hasn’t sold many fuel-efficient vehicles, though, because when gas prices hit $3 a gallon, sales decline. “A lot of it is psychological,” Cole said. He and Kirk Gillenwater, sales consultant for Bedford South Point Ford, said customers still need their vehicles, but they have to get over the “first initial shock” of rising gas prices.
Gillenwater said in Appalachia, “trucks are used for lively-hood.” He said Bedford South Point Ford has sold, “a whole bunch of trucks.” Trucks are used more in W.Va., Ohio and Ky. than in other parts of the U.S., he said. However, he pointed out a dilemma the dealership has run in to recently.
He said rising gas prices have affected the dealership by lowering the resale value of vehicles, especially trucks. Gillenwater said a low resale value benefits his dealership when buying trucks at an auction. He can purchase the trucks for a low cost and if gas prices decline, he can sell those trucks at the estimated retail value. When dealing with trade-ins, however, Gillenwater said he loses money to his customers when gas prices are high.
Car dealerships companies do not lose much money on gasoline costs, though. Adkins said his dealership, Turnpike Ford of Huntington, keeps a quarter of a tank full in each car on its lot for test-drives. Other than that, the dealership doesn’t spend money on gasoline. Adkins and Cole said new vehicles shipped from manufacturers cost nothing to the dealership.
After a customer has purchased a vehicle, the dealership fills up the tank upon delivery, Cole said. There is also the cost of fuel to ship cars to houses or other dealerships, but the cost isn’t enough to worry about, according to Cole’s light tone.
Glockner GM Superstore has its own oil company, Glockner Oil. Cole said he uses the oil tank on site to fill the cars with gas. He said it is an expense to fill the tank, but takes out the hassle of driving to the nearest gas station. The vehicles on the Glockner lot get Glockner oil.
Krauss said rising gas prices in rural cities hurt not only the car dealership industry, but also consumers. Now, since prices aren’t soaring like they were, dealerships are beginning to rebound. Some are even staying afloat with recent car sales. But if gas prices increase quickly again, it looks close several more dealerships.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Gas Prices No Longer an Issue for Car Dealerships
After calling a few local car dealerships, I've found gas prices are no longer affecting their sales. Most dealers I spoke with said truck and SUV sales have been up this year. One dealer said large vehicle sales don't decline until gas prices hit $3 a gallon.
One way rising gas prices have affected dealerships is in the resale value of a vehicle. A sales consultant with Bedford South Point Ford said the value of a truck at an auction or dealing with a trade-in will not be what it was before gas hit close to $4 a gallon last summer.
He pointed out when the value of a truck at an auction is low, it is the best time to buy several because gas prices will go down and the demand for trucks will rise.
He also mentioned many residents along Appalachia use trucks for their lively-hood so the demand will stay steady in this part of the U.S.
A sales and Internet manager for Turnpike Ford of Huntington said when gas prices rise, Turnpike Ford actually has a high number of compact cars sales. Obviously, truck sales decrease for them as well when gas prices rise.
As far as receiving shipments of new cars from dealers, car dealerships don't pay the cost of those shipments. The dealer endures it.
There will be more to come about this story. But as for now, car sales seem to be steady or rising, recession or not!
One way rising gas prices have affected dealerships is in the resale value of a vehicle. A sales consultant with Bedford South Point Ford said the value of a truck at an auction or dealing with a trade-in will not be what it was before gas hit close to $4 a gallon last summer.
He pointed out when the value of a truck at an auction is low, it is the best time to buy several because gas prices will go down and the demand for trucks will rise.
He also mentioned many residents along Appalachia use trucks for their lively-hood so the demand will stay steady in this part of the U.S.
A sales and Internet manager for Turnpike Ford of Huntington said when gas prices rise, Turnpike Ford actually has a high number of compact cars sales. Obviously, truck sales decrease for them as well when gas prices rise.
As far as receiving shipments of new cars from dealers, car dealerships don't pay the cost of those shipments. The dealer endures it.
There will be more to come about this story. But as for now, car sales seem to be steady or rising, recession or not!
Investigative Reporting at its Finest
There was a story about Jon and Kate Gosselin in which the headline reads, “Is Kate Gosselin Spanking Her Kids, Losing Control?” The article touches on just about every problem the couple has had in recent weeks.
Abcnews.com spoke with the executive director of the Humane Society of Berks County, PA, about the allegations of animal abuse in the Gosselin home. The Web site reporters had Jon’s view on it to “set the record straight.” Also, the reporters spoke with Pennsylvania’s Labor Department about accusations of violating child labor laws.
Abcnews.com spoke with Jon Gosselin on the subject matter and had quotes from him given to other news media. The Web site also used quotes from Kate Gosselin to People Magazine.
In Touch Weekly posted a picture of Kate Gosselin spanking one of her female children outside their home. The magazine quoted an eye witness who said the child was “screaming and crying” and when Kate stopped spanking her, “pushed (the child) away and walked off with her coffee.”
The picture does aid the reader by showing Kate spanking her child, but it doesn’t look as if she is being overly harsh or the child is in extreme pain.
I think this story affects parents nationwide and alerts Child Protective Services workers to what can be classified as “beating.” Also, “Jon and Kate Plus Eight” is a widely viewed reality series on TLC. Many people watch the show and have followed the recent events involving the Gosselins.
There is definitely a follow-up to this story. Karel Minor, executive director of the Human Society of Berks County, PA, has already said there is no reason to suspect animal cruelty in the Gosselin home. But the question of child labor laws being violated has not yet been determined by the Pennsylvania Labor Department.
I think the headlines for the stories about the Gosselins’ can be misinterpreted to favor the parents or children. “Is Kate Gosselin Spanking Her Kids, Losing Control?” seems a bit dramatic. Parents discipline their children all the time, but it is not considered losing control.
Abcnews.com did get some of their own information, but the reporters used other information from different magazines to follow-up with professionals, such as the TLC spokeswoman and the executive director for the Human Society of Berks County, PA.
Another example is a story about Britain’s interior minister, Jacqui Smith resigning her post. A copy of her parliamentary expenses shows she claimed two pornographic movies her husband reportedly ordered. In March, she said she mistakenly claimed the pay-per-view movies to an Internet connection bill she had submitted.
This story involves a public figure with something that should have been left private. There were also questionable expense sheets from other members of parliament being looked in to.
The article doesn’t include a quote from Smith, but it said a source close to her said she told the prime minister it was “time to go at the next reshuffle.”
The article includes a picture of Smith, but it does nothing to further the story.
Almost every citizen of Britain was very concerned after reading this story. The taxpayers are essentially paying for these expenses and are outraged to know it was for something as disgusting as pornographic movies.
Smith has already resigned, but other members are under investitgation. It is uncertain whether or not other parliament members will resign.
The copy of Smith’s parliamentary expense sheet was crucial in determining whether or not the allegations of pornographic movies being claimed, were true.
Abcnews.com spoke with the executive director of the Humane Society of Berks County, PA, about the allegations of animal abuse in the Gosselin home. The Web site reporters had Jon’s view on it to “set the record straight.” Also, the reporters spoke with Pennsylvania’s Labor Department about accusations of violating child labor laws.
Abcnews.com spoke with Jon Gosselin on the subject matter and had quotes from him given to other news media. The Web site also used quotes from Kate Gosselin to People Magazine.
In Touch Weekly posted a picture of Kate Gosselin spanking one of her female children outside their home. The magazine quoted an eye witness who said the child was “screaming and crying” and when Kate stopped spanking her, “pushed (the child) away and walked off with her coffee.”
The picture does aid the reader by showing Kate spanking her child, but it doesn’t look as if she is being overly harsh or the child is in extreme pain.
I think this story affects parents nationwide and alerts Child Protective Services workers to what can be classified as “beating.” Also, “Jon and Kate Plus Eight” is a widely viewed reality series on TLC. Many people watch the show and have followed the recent events involving the Gosselins.
There is definitely a follow-up to this story. Karel Minor, executive director of the Human Society of Berks County, PA, has already said there is no reason to suspect animal cruelty in the Gosselin home. But the question of child labor laws being violated has not yet been determined by the Pennsylvania Labor Department.
I think the headlines for the stories about the Gosselins’ can be misinterpreted to favor the parents or children. “Is Kate Gosselin Spanking Her Kids, Losing Control?” seems a bit dramatic. Parents discipline their children all the time, but it is not considered losing control.
Abcnews.com did get some of their own information, but the reporters used other information from different magazines to follow-up with professionals, such as the TLC spokeswoman and the executive director for the Human Society of Berks County, PA.
Another example is a story about Britain’s interior minister, Jacqui Smith resigning her post. A copy of her parliamentary expenses shows she claimed two pornographic movies her husband reportedly ordered. In March, she said she mistakenly claimed the pay-per-view movies to an Internet connection bill she had submitted.
This story involves a public figure with something that should have been left private. There were also questionable expense sheets from other members of parliament being looked in to.
The article doesn’t include a quote from Smith, but it said a source close to her said she told the prime minister it was “time to go at the next reshuffle.”
The article includes a picture of Smith, but it does nothing to further the story.
Almost every citizen of Britain was very concerned after reading this story. The taxpayers are essentially paying for these expenses and are outraged to know it was for something as disgusting as pornographic movies.
Smith has already resigned, but other members are under investitgation. It is uncertain whether or not other parliament members will resign.
The copy of Smith’s parliamentary expense sheet was crucial in determining whether or not the allegations of pornographic movies being claimed, were true.
Case Studies
I reviewed a case study in chapter one of William C. Gaine's Investigative Journalism: Proven Strategies for Reporting the Story. The study involved a reporter who received a tip from officers that the sheriff of a local town was receiving campaign money from his officers in exchange for badges and guns. The reporter turned the story over to his editor who assigned an investigative reporter to check it out. The investigative reporter found the story to be true and after publishing his findings, several townspeople voted in a new sheriff.
The original reporter, Wright, turned the story over to his editor because he didn't want any backlash from the sheriff's office. The office had always tipped Wright off when they had a story, but only gave him information when it would put the sheriff's office in a good light. Wright should have covered the story because it was his assigned beat and he should report all things, not only good. However, by turning the story over to the investigative reporter, Miller, Wright kept a good relationship with current officers. Miller did his job well. He didn’t hold anything back for fear of upsetting someone and he found the proof he needed without revealing his sources. The public had a right to know who they had voted in to office previously.
Case study two was about a reporter who often checked public records at city hall for interesting facts that could be investigated and turned into stories. She found out one such fact about the mayor buying properties, renovating them and selling them for much more than he paid. In the end, she could not prove any illegal wrongdoing by the mayor, but had city hall on alert of her presence.
The reporter, Benton knew something was not quite right with the way the mayor renovated such properties and found out city employees were doing such renovations with city funds. Also, a former reporter who now worked for the mayor, knew Benton’s tactics and tried to stop her before she came. Benton, however, pressed on with the story and got the public’s attention. They wanted the mayor ousted from office. Although, he wasn’t kicked out, the public certainly had a different view of him.
The original reporter, Wright, turned the story over to his editor because he didn't want any backlash from the sheriff's office. The office had always tipped Wright off when they had a story, but only gave him information when it would put the sheriff's office in a good light. Wright should have covered the story because it was his assigned beat and he should report all things, not only good. However, by turning the story over to the investigative reporter, Miller, Wright kept a good relationship with current officers. Miller did his job well. He didn’t hold anything back for fear of upsetting someone and he found the proof he needed without revealing his sources. The public had a right to know who they had voted in to office previously.
Case study two was about a reporter who often checked public records at city hall for interesting facts that could be investigated and turned into stories. She found out one such fact about the mayor buying properties, renovating them and selling them for much more than he paid. In the end, she could not prove any illegal wrongdoing by the mayor, but had city hall on alert of her presence.
The reporter, Benton knew something was not quite right with the way the mayor renovated such properties and found out city employees were doing such renovations with city funds. Also, a former reporter who now worked for the mayor, knew Benton’s tactics and tried to stop her before she came. Benton, however, pressed on with the story and got the public’s attention. They wanted the mayor ousted from office. Although, he wasn’t kicked out, the public certainly had a different view of him.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Urban Renewal Authority Meeting
The monthly Urban Renewal Authority meeting Monday, June 15 brought quick changes to the board.
First off, Nate Randolph, architect for Edward Tucker and chairperson for the Huntington City Council became chairman of the renewal authority, replacing Marshall University Professor Phillip Carter. Brandi Jacobs-Jones, director of administration and finance for the city, was voted vice chairman. Psychologist Diane Mufson was voted secretary and newer member Herb Stanley, chairperson for the Huntington Municipal Parking Board was voted treasurer.
Immediately after elections, Carter stepped down from his seat as chairman and exchanged seats with Randolph. Carter turned down other nominations by Jacobs-Jones and Randolph for various positions during the election. Carter appeared to be surprised and somewhat upset at the nomination of Randolph to take his place.
When Randolph stepped in as chairman, he brought up unfinished business concerning the authority's previous bank.
Jacobs-Jones explained a mishap with the renewal authority funds. The authority received a statement from a former bank totaling in excess of one million dollars said Randolph. After further investigation, Jacobs-Jones found out the money is insurance on the money the group had in the former account and not available funds.
While on the topic of authority funds, Mufson suggested moving the authority's savings and checking accounts from Chase bank to a locally owned bank, such as First Sentry Bank. Chase charged the authority's savings account a small fee for little or no activity on the account. By switching banks, the authority hopes to avoid that fee. Jacobs-Jones suggested sending a Request For Proposal for banking services to several local banks, that way to not rule out one over another. The motion to move accounts to another bank carried. However, since they have not contacted other banks as of yet, they are not sure if local banks might charge the same type of fee for no activity on accounts.
Next, there was a motion to revisit new business, which led to a discussion over which group would take over the land bank authority, the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority or the Huntington Municipal Development Authority. Randolph said the renewal authority dealt with more residential properties whereas the development authority deals with commercial properties. Jacobs-Jones pointed out the renewal authority would have to hire either part-time or full-time staff or contract labor services, also have lengthy meetings and more responsibility to deal with.
Carter made a suggestion to have a workshop for the renewal authority so the chairpersons could gain knowledge about implementing a land bank. Jacobs-Jones pointed out again a workshop would cost money for stipend and travel accommodations to bring in experts on the subject. The question was brought up as to which board would foot the bill for the workshop since neither the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority nor the Huntington Municipal Development Authority had jurisdiction over the land bank yet. Jacobs-Jones said all city of Huntington funds were already used or directed toward other projects and money is "tight."
The meeting was then adjourned. Jacobs-Jones and Carter left the meeting quickly.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Urban Renewal Authority
I will be attending the Urban Renewal Authority meeting Monday, June 15 at 1:30 P.M. in the Mayor's Conference Room at Huntington City Hall.
Agenda
1. Call to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of the board on May 18, 2009
5. Approval of May 2009 Voucher Schedule
6. Election of Officers
Charles Holley, Director of Development & Planning to update Board on Artisan Avenue Redevelopment Project.
8. New Business
9. Unfinished Business
a. Federal Reserve Account
b. Local Checking/Savings account
c. July Meeting
10. Adjournment
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Reaction to President Obama's speech in Cairo
Throughout the years, several presidents have traveled the world trying to strengthen ties with other countries. A few of those presidents, including Woodrow Wilson, made less of an impact than other presidents. Jimmy Carter made a foe of Iranians by supporting the Shah of Iran in 1978. John F. Kennedy befriended several German residents by declaring he was a Berliner in 1963. Now, President Barak Obama has visited Cairo making a speech to Muslims about improving the Muslim view of the U.S. One of the presidents I have named made a positive impact on the people of Germany. Obama is trying to do the same and hopefully bring some peace to the Middle East as well as the U.S.
In his speech, Obama mentioned he would pull American troops from Iraq by 2012 leaving Iraqis’ to their country. Some Americans’ feel Obama’s speech will help strengthen relations between Muslims who have had an ill view of the U.S. since the war in Iraq started. However, according to Jeffrey Fleishman of the Los Angeles Times, Iraqis were unimpressed by Obama’s speech. Iraqi politicians resented Obama for thinking he can change the U.S.’s and Israel’s relationships’ with Iraq and Iran with one speech.
Obama acknowledged that fact in his speech saying, “No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point.” The President understands the hard work needed to mend this relationship, but Iraqis seem to think they have seen this type of promise before from George W. Bush.
Iranians believed promises of human rights from Jimmy Carter in 1978 when he visited Iran. He made a toast to the then-Shah of Iran stating, “An island of stability in a turbulent corner of the world." He went on to praise the Shah for attempting modernity in Iran. Iranians who originally supported Carter were displeased. Eventually, the Shah and his family were run out of Iran and, under the support of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, student radicals seized the American embassy in Iran taking 66 Americans hostage. Carter failed to negotiate the release of the hostages while in term.
Americans supported their nation during the Iranian Hostage Crisis. The yellow ribbon became a symbol for the safe return of the American hostages to the U.S. But Americans were not happy with Iranians as a whole. Several protested saying Carter should deport all Iranians living in the U.S. Carter did everything he could think of to ensure the American hostages’ safe return.
Some Americans and especially Iranians say Carter’s visit to Iran and his relationship with the Shah caused the Iranian Hostage Crisis. They also believe the crisis and Carter’s acts while in office caused the torn relations between Iran and the U.S. today.
Unlike Carter, Obama tried to relate to Muslims through personal experience, just as JFK tried to be seen as an equal to the people of Berlin in 1963. He told the crowd he knew of people who could not see a difference between Communism and freedom. His famous line was, “Let them come to Berlin.” Each time he said this, the crowd cheered. Kennedy became even more popular by saying, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” meaning, “I am a Berliner.” Kennedy gave hope to Berliners in their battle against a divided Germany and made them believe he was for the people of the world not just the U.S.
There was a small debate about what the president actually said to the audience. Rumor had it a rough translation of what the president actually said was, “I am a jelly doughnut.” However, most sites dispel this rumor. From the cheers of the crowd, it was certain no one thought the president said he was a jelly doughnut. They knew he was tying to unite free men everywhere.
In his speech, Obama pointed out there was no reason we couldn't all live in peace. If we would all work toward a common goal of respect and peace, we could beat the terrorists' views of America. However, a few reporters thought Obama could've elaborated on his strategies for success.
Fleishman said Obama’s speech lacked policy details, but Obama’s candidness made up for that. But Obama admitted the U.S. made mistakes in Iraq and the Iraqis wanted to hear the U.S. basically say we’re not perfect. Obama insisted it was the extremists who led Muslims to believe America was the enemy and that he would “relentlessly confront” extremists and urge Muslims to do the same. Obama wants Muslims to realize terrorist groups and Osama bin Laden are violent people who won’t listen to reason or negotiate peace.
However, Muslim-Americans seemed to relate to and agree with many things the President mentioned. One Muslim-American said to the Washington Post, Obama was able to show the accomplishments and Americanism of Muslim-Americans stating, “This is a 180-degree turn from the Bush Administration.” I think Americans and Muslims can agree the Presidency of Barak Obama will be an immense difference from that of Bush’s.
Unfortunately, Iraqis and Iranians will take almost anything President Obama says with a grain of salt. They have heard several words of encouragement and hope, but have yet to see action from the U.S. in giving them the respect they want. Hazim Al-Nuaimi an analyst at Baghdad University said, “He gave nothing new to Iraqis. He gave one promise, to respect the rights of minorities and work with consensus. In all he says, he tries to remove himself from all that
happened in Iraq."
In a reaction piece written by Campbell Robertson of the New York Times, he said on the day of the speech in Iraq, a man tried to change the channel to see it at a restaurant and others shouted at him, “What a stupid speech!” But a political science professor at the University of Mosul had words of encouragement; “It is a chance that Muslims and Arabs must seize, if they hope for better solutions in the Middle East.”
It will take time to see real results from Obama’s strategies and he certainly cannot please everyone. With his Muslim heritage and open attitude to change, Obama will play a key role in bridging the divide between the two worlds. One thing is for certain, he seems to be making more progress in the first six months than some presidents have done in their entire presidency.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Famous Presidential Speeches Overseas
The public's reactions were on opposite ends of the spectrum between Jimmy Carter’s trip to Iran and John F. Kennedy’s trip to Berlin. Carter received such negativity that it forced him out of office. Kennedy’s crowd praised him and cheered as he discussed what Communism was compared to freedom.
When Jimmy Carter visited Iran in January 1978, he made a toast to the dictating Shah of Iran stating, “An island of stability in a turbulent corner of the world.” He went on to praise the Shah for attempting modernity in Iran. Iranians who originally supported Carter in his talks about human rights were outraged. Shortly after Carter’s toast, the Shah and his family were run out of Iran and student radicals, supported by the new regime, seized the American embassy in Iran. Once Ronald Reagan took over the Presidency, the hostages were released. This unfortunate chain of events followed Carter’s legacy.
John F. Kennedy said to a Berlin crowd in June 1963 he knew of people who couldn’t see a difference between Communism and freedom. His famous line was, “Let them come to Berlin.” Each time he said this, the crowd cheered. Kennedy became even more popular by saying, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” meaning “I am a Berliner.” Kennedy gave hope to Berliners that Communism would not prevail.
Lastly, President Barak Obama visited Cairo, Egypt and spoke to Muslims about fixing the perception Muslims had of the United States. He mentioned he would pull American troops from Iraq by 2012 leaving Iraqis’ to their country. Some Americans feel Obama’s speech will help strengthen relations between Muslims who have had an ill view of the U.S. since the beginning of the war in Iraq. However, according to Campbell Robertson of the New York Times, Iraqis were unimpressed by Obama’s speech. Iraqi politicians resented Obama for thinking he can change the U.S.’s and Israel’s relationships’ with Iraq and Iran with one speech.
However, Muslim-Americans seemed to relate to and agree with many things the President mentioned. One Muslim-American said Obama was able to show the accomplishments and Americanism of Muslim-Americans stating, “This is a 180-degree turn from the Bush Administration.” I think Americans and Muslims can agree the Presidency of Barak Obama will be an immense difference from that of Bush’s.
When Jimmy Carter visited Iran in January 1978, he made a toast to the dictating Shah of Iran stating, “An island of stability in a turbulent corner of the world.” He went on to praise the Shah for attempting modernity in Iran. Iranians who originally supported Carter in his talks about human rights were outraged. Shortly after Carter’s toast, the Shah and his family were run out of Iran and student radicals, supported by the new regime, seized the American embassy in Iran. Once Ronald Reagan took over the Presidency, the hostages were released. This unfortunate chain of events followed Carter’s legacy.
John F. Kennedy said to a Berlin crowd in June 1963 he knew of people who couldn’t see a difference between Communism and freedom. His famous line was, “Let them come to Berlin.” Each time he said this, the crowd cheered. Kennedy became even more popular by saying, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” meaning “I am a Berliner.” Kennedy gave hope to Berliners that Communism would not prevail.
Lastly, President Barak Obama visited Cairo, Egypt and spoke to Muslims about fixing the perception Muslims had of the United States. He mentioned he would pull American troops from Iraq by 2012 leaving Iraqis’ to their country. Some Americans feel Obama’s speech will help strengthen relations between Muslims who have had an ill view of the U.S. since the beginning of the war in Iraq. However, according to Campbell Robertson of the New York Times, Iraqis were unimpressed by Obama’s speech. Iraqi politicians resented Obama for thinking he can change the U.S.’s and Israel’s relationships’ with Iraq and Iran with one speech.
However, Muslim-Americans seemed to relate to and agree with many things the President mentioned. One Muslim-American said Obama was able to show the accomplishments and Americanism of Muslim-Americans stating, “This is a 180-degree turn from the Bush Administration.” I think Americans and Muslims can agree the Presidency of Barak Obama will be an immense difference from that of Bush’s.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Increase in Gas Prices Puts Car Dealerships Under
I've chosen to research three major car dealerships in the area to see how much money they're spending on gas to ship cars to their lots, fill up cars for test drives, etc. Also, I'd like to see what the decline in sales has been since the recession and gas prices rising again.
For this story, I will interview the general managers of three car dealerships in the Tri-State area about the increase or decrease in car sales over the last year. I will also interview their service department managers to see if more consumers are bringing their cars in for service rather than trading in.
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