Editorial – As the bible states, the truth shall set you free.
Being a member of the media, it’s understandable to be the target of people when they don’t agree.
Comes with the territory since starting in the business over thirty-years ago.
You have to have a thick skin, as I’ve developed that in more ways than one over the years.
But along with being a target, there are also times, even media should defend themselves when they have been wrongly accused.
The Rotary Harbourfront Rink has been a hot topic in the last 24-hours.
On Tuesday, December 22, 2020 it was vastly overcrowded from the 25 person set limit.
It’s crazy COVID times.
During Christmas break any other year, who wouldn’t love seeing the rink full of people enjoying their free time.
It’s exercise, it’s fresh air and most of all – it’s fun.
But these are different times.
Whether you believe governments are doing the right thing or not is up to you.
It is pretty clear that most people believe what all levels of government are trying to do is for the best of our safety.
Passing by the area yesterday and seeing the people on the ice, it was a story that had to be covered.
The rink is literally in the middle of downtown and one would hope by late afternoon any and all of council would have known about the overcrowding.
It’s a given since the public and leaders in the community knew given the Emergency Control Group had a meeting yesterday.
There were a few shots online towards Today’s Northumberland about how we/I created the issue and publicizing it only made it only worse.
But today at a scene, a person actually accused me of calling the police and putting in a complaint about the rink and we/I were the reason why council acted.
First, we at Today’s Northumberland are humbled that any person would think Today’s Northumberland had the power to get the Emergency Control Group together and also to have an emergency meeting with council to decide what to do with the rink.
It means a great deal that someone would think that much of us.
But, alas, that isn’t the case.
Today’s Northumberland covered a story that was in the public view in downtown Cobourg and would do it again in a heartbeat.
We at Today’s Northumberland are not perfect, and have always said there will be mistakes as hard as we try not to make them.
But, we will also try to be fully accountable to our readers, supporters, advertisers and even people who don’t agree with us.
So, on that note, just to clear the (COVID-free outside fresh) air, Today’s Northumberland wrote to Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf to see if he could confirm that no complaint or call was made on behalf of Today’s Northumberland.
Below is the correspondence.
Pete,
I have confirmed with our records. We received the call directly from Municipal By-Law.
I hope this assists.
All the best for the season!
Paul VandeGraaf
Chief of Police
COBOURG POLICE SERVICE
107 King St W, Cobourg, ON
K9A 2M4
W: 905-372-6821 x2294
C: 289-251-3476
Hi Paul
I’m just wondering if it’s possible if you could send me a note on this.
Yesterday I covered the story on the outdoor rink being overcrowded.
The Emergency Control Group got together and a Council meeting was called and they decided to keep it open under strict rules.
While I was downtown a short time ago today, a person stated that I was the one who called police complaining about the rink being overcrowded and therefore it was my fault what happened.
I explained to him briefly that it wasn’t me, but I honestly don’t think he believed me.
If there anyway, you could just confirm that I did not call to complain on anything to do with the rink?
If possible, if not, absolutely no worries as I know you’re busy.
Thx
Pete Fisher
Founding Editor
905.373.2895
www.todaysnorthumberland.ca
Today’s Northumberland…and Beyond
“Education Through Communication”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
