A need for full disclosure

As we get closer to the September 15th Republican primary in Bethel, it's critical that reporters at the News-Times that cover Bethel politics do their research.

For example, lets take a look at today's front page article by Eileen FitzGerald in the News-Times regarding an ethics complaint filed against Bethel Police commissioner Nick Ellis.

The Bethel Ethics Commission will hold a special meeting Wednesday night to hear a complaint from a resident who claims a town commissioner divulged confidential information received in the course of official duties.

[...]

Resident Daniel Gaita filed the complaint Aug. 26 against Police Commissioner Nick Ellis, who said the complaint is not true.

"My whole reason for filing the complaint was the quotes in the newspaper, along with timing of a voice mail from Ellis as it related to my request to the police chief,'' Gaita said.

Now, not withstanding the fact that the reporter didn't question Gaita about why he requested information regarding the victim on June 25 (which could imply that he something about the case prior to the First Selectman's arrest), what FitzGerald failed to disclosure in her article was Gaita's connection to First Selectman Bob Burke's campaign.

According to the First Selectman's website, Dan Gaita is listed as the treasurer.



Unfortunately, FitzGerald failed to disclosure this important bit of information with the public in her article.

From my appearance last week on the public access show "Ideas at Work and Beyond" here's what I do with Dan Gaita when he calls in to question Republican endorsed First Selectman candidate Larry Craybas and Selectman candidate Paul Szatkowski.



As you see in the clip, I made it a point to inform the audience that Gaita was a member of Burke's campaign. Now this isn't because I have a preference towards any of the Republican candidates in the primary...I DO have a preference when it comes to informing the public about the political connections of people who are being quoted in the media.

That's one of the responsibilities of a journalist...which is something Eileen FitzGerald should take not of if she's going to report on news in Bethel.

...just sayin'

UPDATE: FitzGerald steps up and does the right thing in her follow-up article.

The Bethel Ethics Commission adjourned a special meeting Wednesday after a 20-minute closed-door session because it didn't have enough members to vote on whether to investigate a complaint or dismiss it.

About 15 residents showed up at the hearing for a complaint Daniel Gaita filed against police commissioner Nick Ellis, which claims Ellis divulged confidential information received in the course of official duties.

The complaint has to do with First Selectman Bob Burke's Aug. 24 arrest by state police. He was charged with second-degree harassment for alleged telephone calls made to a female victim.

Gaita is Burke's campaign treasurer.

Thanks Eileen for doing the right thing!