Don’t Shoot the Messenger

I have had many positive comments recently in support of my willingness to speak out when I see taxpayer dollars being spent unwisely.  Most recently there have been a number of problems with our school board’s construction, parking lot and demolition projects, and I have indeed spoken out.
    I have also had a few people ask why I have written articles that question or oppose those recent school board actions, and today's piece about the public records request will not help that perception.  My short answer is; Don’t shoot the messenger! 
    So why am I questioning the actions of the school board?  Yes, there is an election coming up, but this current board will maintain their solid majority, regardless of the results, so that is not the issue.
Don't we have good schools? Without question; some of the best in the state.  Are the school board members bad people?  No; they put in many hours of hard work, and I believe they have good hearts and are truly concerned about the students.
    Aren't there many more positives than negatives about our school system?  Yes, and we should all be thankful for all the people who made that happen: the founders, teachers, students, parents, staff, administrators, volunteers, and many more.  The folks who have served on the school board also deserve their share of the credit.
    Still, the question remains: why report anything negative about the school system?  Some people will just not like the whistleblower.  It would be so much easier and more pleasant to only report on football and fluff; cute kids and good test scores.  But is it responsible to avoid asking questions and seeking accountability, even if the answers may not be popular? The school board has its self-designated "official" newspaper to spotlight the great things going on – why be the bad guy in contrast?
    It's simple – somebody has to report all the story.  Who will ask tough questions about the $38 million annual budget?  Who will inform the public about how their tax dollars are spent, and how promises are being kept?  Should a good school system get an exemption from responsible scrutiny?  Don’t shoot the messenger!
    No one can say that Central Speaks hasn't been a friend of the schools – we have printed literally hundreds of articles in our four plus years, 99% of them overwhelmingly positive. We have provided free publicity, information, and have financially sponsored many school system activities – and we will continue to do so.
    We will give credit where due, but along with that comes an equal duty to seek accountability.  Unfortunately, recent events have shown a disturbing trend – the school board doesn't like to be questioned.  The more I ask, the more they appear offended and defensive, and try to deflect any criticism by reminding people how good the schools are, and turning on anyone who dares to question them. Sorry, but I don't do this to make friends – Central Speaks takes our role in the community very seriously, and that is to report all the Good (and Sometimes-Not-So-Good) News for a Great City.