Why So Negative?

This is in response to queries about why we lack fluff pieces or “happy stories”.

Our goal is to protect the community by exposing those that do us harm or put us at risk (financially or physically).

We are run by volunteers and lack resources to cover every cute kitten and funny looking snowman that is in Wingham. That is what FaceBook is for and what the local newspaper does. Our culture/mission is completely different to that of the newspaper. Most small town papers dedicate more staff to selling ads than uncovering issues. I am sure that system is very profitable for the out-of-town owners, but it leaves those they are supposed to be serving uninformed.

We are locally owned and controlled.We are fully aware that our site seems negative when compared to the conventional newspaper in town. Once a “news organization” is no longer under the control of locals and is run as a business, they tend to put the advertiser’s interest ahead of the community. We have had countless reports of people not getting their letters to the editor printed in the Advance Times, especially those that criticize council or a local business. WFP is the only site on the Internet that archives local Police press releases and makes them accessible to the public at no cost. We have offered to archive press releases from Council, a way to put things on the permanent public record, but they are not interested. This would would be a great way for them to get their message out for free, and in their own words.

In the old days, politicians hated the Press. If the Press was around, you couldn’t get away with anything, if you tried, you would be exposed. The conventional media has been covering town hall for decades. To see if they have done a good job check out our tax rate, the vacancies on Josephine and how well the public is informed. From the rumours we have heard, it seems the WFP, and in particular Avner, has made few people at town hall very “uncomfortable”.

The local media has been very lenient on Council and other matters in town. Newspapers use to be the advocate of the people, and one of the few checks and balances we have to keep our Government behaving appropriately. The Press has gotten too cozy with council over the years, which has led to our high tax rate and numerous other issues. To see if they have done a good job, check out our tax rate, the vacancies on Josephine and how well the public is informed.

Despite the fact we are so negative, we usually get at least one email a week requesting us to expand our coverage to surrounding towns to help expose drunk drivers, drug dealers, waste etc. Wingham is the only town that we get constant complaints about town hall. This is compounded by the fact town councillors don’t have their email addresses online and people tend to email us as they want to get their voices heard.

Many might say “why doesn’t everyone just call town hall?” The fact is, many have with no results. These councillors constantly hear that our taxes are too high from constituents. If you call you will be likely be told “that’s just the way it is”, or “we can’t cut our budget” or “we are in line with surrounding areas”. That is as far as most complaints ever make it.

One more tactic they like to use is trying to get you to show up at a meeting. This results in the same inaction from council but with slightly different wording. Many people simply do not feel comfortable standing in front of council, or any other public speaking situation.

If our tax rate was in line with the surrounding areas, we would happily start tracking down locals for a “Hall of Fame”. Heroes that put other peoples interest on par, or a head of their own.

We deserve a Council that is as accountable and accessible as every other town council in Ontario.