In announcing an upcoming “Freedom of the Press Gala” fundraiser, Executive Editor of the Plymouth Independent David Kidwell extolls the virtue that credible, fact-based reporting and informed citizens make stronger communities. Agreed, but is that what we are getting from PI? The answer is, sometimes, but there is a lot of opinionated narrative that is inserted into some of the reporting, and a lot that isn’t covered because of an ideological slant.
In an article about the Pilgrim Nuclear plant, the sub-heading declares: “The Pilgrim power plant was transformational for the town. But not in a good way.” The article stated that the high property tax revenue was “fool’s gold” that attracted too many families with children (“sprouting like weeds”) to the town because of low taxes, suggesting that the population growth was a burden. The tax revenue was real, the problem perhaps was how government managed it. Meanwhile, now that the plant is shut down, electricity prices continue to soar while less affordable, unreliable sources are used as an inadequate replacement. The solutions to the loss of property tax revenue, skyrocketing electricity prices, and affordable, reliable replacement generation are not evaluated, so how can you come to your negative conclusions?
While the PI disparages certain aspects of resulting population growth, it is very supportive and protective of families with children moving into town when they are not in the country lawfully. Article after article in the PI sides with them while demeaning the lawful agencies and facilities in place to prevent or remove immigrants here unlawfully. Are these families with their children not burdening town resources? Are they accessing health, recreational, or social services intended for and paid for by citizens? In addition to flooding the schools, many of these children require the hiring of language professionals to assist them in classes. Does the added housing demand, pushed beyond supply, contribute to rents and home ownership costs going up? The PI hasn’t explored any of those downsides to unlawful immigration to inform the community. This is unbalanced reporting. Why isn’t the full picture presented to inform citizens?
The posh “Freedom of the Press Gala” as advertised will be hosted at a waterfront home in town with tickets costing $250 per person. Since the PI seems unconcerned about the negative effects of “undocumented” individuals on the town’s well-being, will it turn away “unticketed” individuals who try to attend this event? While this is a limited gathering of limousine liberals who share PI’s perspectives, or vice versa, the broader community would truly like to see independent journalism it can trust and support. To those reporters and contributors on the staff doing it right, we thank and salute you.
– Tim Costello