Record Errs (Again), But Apparently Striving for More Accurate Coverage

In the news story below, the Record reported that I "did not speak" to TOM MANUEL and sat on the prosecution side during the guilty plea. This false light invasion of privacy of a private citizen sitting in a federal courtroom deserves comment.

Contrary to Chad Smith's erroneous reporting, I did speak to TOM MANUEL.

Long before the Record's reporters arrived, former County Commission Chairman TOM MANUEL walked up and shook hands and spoke to Diane Mills, and to me. What we said is private.

The Record reporter arrived after that took place and reported as "fact" a negative assumption based upon what took place in its presence.

Flattered as I am to be on the front page of the Record as a non-participant in a federal criminal prosecution for bribery, I was obliged to call the Record News Editor Saturday and demand a correct.

As I told Pete Ellis' answering machine, the incorrect reporting implies I'm snooty.

I'll talk to anyone -- even Record reporter Peter Guinta -- as long as they keep a civil tongue in their head.

On the positive side, I'm glad that Chad Smith has the perspicacity to report what goes on outside the official proceeding. Chad Smith's article is otherwise accurate, and captured the scene with skill and good reporting.

I look forward to future Record reporting describing the seating arrangements and activities of the louche lobbyists (like controversial developer mouthpiece GEORGE McCLURE) who often fill the audience at City and County Commission meetings. They don't so much walk into a room as ooze, oleaginously.

I look forward to future Record reporting describing the non-verbal communications of public officials, including the often-noisy and disrespectful behavior of City of St. Augustine managers in the back of the Commission meeting rooms.

I look forward to future REcord reporting quoting at length the animadversions and gooberishness of City Commissioners when they run on at length.

I look forward to future Record reporting describing how the public is denied the opportunity to speak (as on cab fare rate increases) based on the manipulations of City Manager WILLIAM B. HARRISS & his compliant City Commissioners.

I look forward, in short, to young reporters like Chad Smith being allowed to report all the news, "without fear or favor."

What do you reckon?