As time has passed it has become clearer and clearer to me that the Vanguard needs to cover the Davis City Council race as an alternative voice to the Davis Enterprise. And while I might be biased and interested in the outcome of the City Council race—who isn’t? Who doesn’t have an agenda? I will simply lay mine on the line every time I discuss the council race and people can decide on their own whether what I have to say makes sense or whether it is political rhetoric.
But more than just that drives my concern. The policies set up by the Enterprise to cover this race—a highly important election that we face—are quite simply inadequate and unfair to the public who need to be able to make an informed decision come election time.
The Vanguard is planning to allow each of the candidates directly to submit one article per week to the Vanguard. This will allow the candidates to communicate directly with the public. It is the Vanguard’s hope that this will inspire community dialogue on a variety of topics. We are also working toward creating a reader-submitted questions for a candidates forum for later in the election.
Many in this community have become increasingly concerned with the tenor of the dialogue that has emerged in this city. They will point to the sometimes contentious city council meetings that at times erupt into personal and heated discord.
And yet in many ways, fueling that discord, indeed fanning it is Bob Dunning, a Davis Enterprise columnist. Bob Dunning has often made the claim that he has no politics and only desired good public people to target for ridicule. If that is true, then it is far more disturbing than if he simply had a political agenda. He fans the flames of discord, taking cheap shots when available. As one person told me, “The substance does not matter, only the neat-word fun you can make of people and get paid for it.”
Those who complain about civility in local politics ought to pay close attention to some of the current tactics employed by Bob Dunning.
The example of young candidate Sydney Vergis is a good one to illustrate the problem. It should be pointed out that Ms. Vergis is too closely affiliated with the developers for my taste, but that does not make the cheap shot, hit and run, and really uninformed rhetorical attack by Mr. Dunning any more appetizing.
Dunning writes:
“Vergis is just 25, younger than Lamar Heystek, but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming a senior land use planner for Sutter County, which bumps into our esteemed county just as you hit rice country…
” Vergis said that in her job as a planner, she’s working to preserve habitat in Sutter County,” St. John’s piece adds. “She also strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through smart planning, she said, and would like to put her talent in action for Davis.”
I presume she jogs to work in Sutter County, which is more than a few kilometers north as the crow flies. Or maybe she works from home.
…” Vergis said she believes the Davis City Council should support alternative transportation such as bike rentals at automated kiosks near the Amtrak station.”
Hey, maybe she can ride a rented bike to Sutter County.”
The gist of Mr. Dunning’s attack is that it would seem on the surface to be a bit hypocritical to be talking about reducing carbon footprints while commuting 45 miles each way to Sutter County. But as we have often noted with Bob Dunning, he never quite checks his facts. If he had, he would have found that Sydney Vergis actually carpools to work with others and therefore her individual contribution to the carbon emissions is greatly reduced.
More importantly, what purpose does this uninformed attack play in terms of public discourse? It does not give us additional insight into Sydney Vergis’ viewpoints. It is negative. It is an unnecessary potshot.
Again, I have no particular affinity with Sydney Vergis, but I also do not believe she deserves to be hung out on a rail over this issue by Bob Dunning.
This moves me to an additional point that I noted again in the last week. Much has been made of the Anonymous postings on the Vanguard. And yet in the past week, we have “Terry at pacbell.net,” “K.O. at yahoo.com,” “a church member named Sarah,” among others launching into attacks on various candidates. These are essentially anonymous attacks posted in the Davis Enterprise. Except of course, the individual targets do not have the opportunity to immediately respond as they would in the Vanguard. And if indeed, if they took the time to write in a 350 word response in the letters to the editor, that would be published a week later, they could be attacked again in a future Dunning column, with no opportunity to respond.
Again I ask does this aid in the public discourse? Does this help in changing the tone at City Hall? Or it is just fanning the flames and creating more attacks to which people cannot respond? Is there any benefit to the Davis Enterprise printing essentially private communications to their staff in their newspaper?
The Vanguard was created in July of 2006 because first of all I thought the progressive viewpoint did not get a fair hearing in the Davis Enterprise. But secondly, because I believe we as a community deserve better overall. We deserve to be able to hear all of the candidates perspectives on various issues. We deserve to be able to make up our own mind as to who serves our interests the best. We deserve to be able to have a public dialogue without the mudslinging from disinterested commentators who simply wish to fan the flames of resentment by pummeling easy targets. And when these targets are pummeled, they deserve the ability to be able to defend themselves in a reasonable manner.
This blog may be biased, this blog may criticize, this blog may investigate, but every single person who is the subject of this blog has the right to respond as they see fit.
There is a better way to do things, and the Vanguard wishes to lead the way.
The Vanguard wholeheartedly encourages all candidates to read all the material on the blog dealing with the race and to encourage them to comment as often as they see fit. This could lead to some pretty interesting political discussion for the community.
Let the candidates speak for themselves and the public can decide what they want to believe.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
Bob Dunning’s anonymous commenters make it easier for him to fill out his column space on slow news days.
Bob Dunning’s anonymous commenters make it easier for him to fill out his column space on slow news days.
Bob Dunning’s anonymous commenters make it easier for him to fill out his column space on slow news days.
Bob Dunning’s anonymous commenters make it easier for him to fill out his column space on slow news days.
anonymous 7:07 am – If what you’re saying is correct then it must be a slow news day every day for Dunning.
I think it’s just plain ol’ mean-spiritedness.
anonymous 7:07 am – If what you’re saying is correct then it must be a slow news day every day for Dunning.
I think it’s just plain ol’ mean-spiritedness.
anonymous 7:07 am – If what you’re saying is correct then it must be a slow news day every day for Dunning.
I think it’s just plain ol’ mean-spiritedness.
anonymous 7:07 am – If what you’re saying is correct then it must be a slow news day every day for Dunning.
I think it’s just plain ol’ mean-spiritedness.
This blog is least attractive and least useful when it is attacking Bob Dunning and the Enterprise. I think you have a mistaken impression about the public understanding of Bob Dunning’s style and substance. We don’t read him for political insight. I hope Cecilia has a thicker skin.
Just report the city council race, apply the disclaimer when it is your own reporting, and don’t worry about the Enterprise.
This blog is least attractive and least useful when it is attacking Bob Dunning and the Enterprise. I think you have a mistaken impression about the public understanding of Bob Dunning’s style and substance. We don’t read him for political insight. I hope Cecilia has a thicker skin.
Just report the city council race, apply the disclaimer when it is your own reporting, and don’t worry about the Enterprise.
This blog is least attractive and least useful when it is attacking Bob Dunning and the Enterprise. I think you have a mistaken impression about the public understanding of Bob Dunning’s style and substance. We don’t read him for political insight. I hope Cecilia has a thicker skin.
Just report the city council race, apply the disclaimer when it is your own reporting, and don’t worry about the Enterprise.
This blog is least attractive and least useful when it is attacking Bob Dunning and the Enterprise. I think you have a mistaken impression about the public understanding of Bob Dunning’s style and substance. We don’t read him for political insight. I hope Cecilia has a thicker skin.
Just report the city council race, apply the disclaimer when it is your own reporting, and don’t worry about the Enterprise.
I agree with Don Shor on this. In addition to his comments, let me say that I enjoy Bob Dunning pointing out the contradictory nature of prevailing Davis attitudes. To use your example of commuting to Sutter County, that is interesting to me for several reasons. I don’t know if it would sway my vote, but it tells me something about the candidate and how she chooses to spend her time. I think Bob Dunning used humor to illustrate this point; I don’t find it mean-spirited.
But, it will be great for you (DPD) to report on the City Council race, biased as you are. We all know that and it’s okay!
I agree with Don Shor on this. In addition to his comments, let me say that I enjoy Bob Dunning pointing out the contradictory nature of prevailing Davis attitudes. To use your example of commuting to Sutter County, that is interesting to me for several reasons. I don’t know if it would sway my vote, but it tells me something about the candidate and how she chooses to spend her time. I think Bob Dunning used humor to illustrate this point; I don’t find it mean-spirited.
But, it will be great for you (DPD) to report on the City Council race, biased as you are. We all know that and it’s okay!
I agree with Don Shor on this. In addition to his comments, let me say that I enjoy Bob Dunning pointing out the contradictory nature of prevailing Davis attitudes. To use your example of commuting to Sutter County, that is interesting to me for several reasons. I don’t know if it would sway my vote, but it tells me something about the candidate and how she chooses to spend her time. I think Bob Dunning used humor to illustrate this point; I don’t find it mean-spirited.
But, it will be great for you (DPD) to report on the City Council race, biased as you are. We all know that and it’s okay!
I agree with Don Shor on this. In addition to his comments, let me say that I enjoy Bob Dunning pointing out the contradictory nature of prevailing Davis attitudes. To use your example of commuting to Sutter County, that is interesting to me for several reasons. I don’t know if it would sway my vote, but it tells me something about the candidate and how she chooses to spend her time. I think Bob Dunning used humor to illustrate this point; I don’t find it mean-spirited.
But, it will be great for you (DPD) to report on the City Council race, biased as you are. We all know that and it’s okay!
I do agree with you that the Enterprise does not lend itself to immediate response to allegations. That is why it should devote itself to investigating and reporting news and events accurately and less to commenting on it.
I do think that Bob Dunning has inserted himself into elections in the past, so I don’t think his column is as benign as Don Shor describes. I also know that we’ve been led astray by the Enterprise’s last minute reporting (the Gidaro fiasco, to be specific). I’ve stopped reading the Enterprise in the last week before elections as a result and I don’t read any campaign related letters to the Editor. I can find out what people think about a candidate other ways that are more helpful to me.
However, Don Shor’s advice is good. The Davis Enterprise, itself, is not news. Just stay on point with the campaigns and what they are doing.
I do agree with you that the Enterprise does not lend itself to immediate response to allegations. That is why it should devote itself to investigating and reporting news and events accurately and less to commenting on it.
I do think that Bob Dunning has inserted himself into elections in the past, so I don’t think his column is as benign as Don Shor describes. I also know that we’ve been led astray by the Enterprise’s last minute reporting (the Gidaro fiasco, to be specific). I’ve stopped reading the Enterprise in the last week before elections as a result and I don’t read any campaign related letters to the Editor. I can find out what people think about a candidate other ways that are more helpful to me.
However, Don Shor’s advice is good. The Davis Enterprise, itself, is not news. Just stay on point with the campaigns and what they are doing.
I do agree with you that the Enterprise does not lend itself to immediate response to allegations. That is why it should devote itself to investigating and reporting news and events accurately and less to commenting on it.
I do think that Bob Dunning has inserted himself into elections in the past, so I don’t think his column is as benign as Don Shor describes. I also know that we’ve been led astray by the Enterprise’s last minute reporting (the Gidaro fiasco, to be specific). I’ve stopped reading the Enterprise in the last week before elections as a result and I don’t read any campaign related letters to the Editor. I can find out what people think about a candidate other ways that are more helpful to me.
However, Don Shor’s advice is good. The Davis Enterprise, itself, is not news. Just stay on point with the campaigns and what they are doing.
I do agree with you that the Enterprise does not lend itself to immediate response to allegations. That is why it should devote itself to investigating and reporting news and events accurately and less to commenting on it.
I do think that Bob Dunning has inserted himself into elections in the past, so I don’t think his column is as benign as Don Shor describes. I also know that we’ve been led astray by the Enterprise’s last minute reporting (the Gidaro fiasco, to be specific). I’ve stopped reading the Enterprise in the last week before elections as a result and I don’t read any campaign related letters to the Editor. I can find out what people think about a candidate other ways that are more helpful to me.
However, Don Shor’s advice is good. The Davis Enterprise, itself, is not news. Just stay on point with the campaigns and what they are doing.
I agree with you DPD, and so do various citizens. I have heard from many, who used to like Bob Dunning’s columns, when there was more of an effort to be unbiased and fairminded in his criticisms. However, many have noted that in the past few years his column has devolved to personal attacks that do not sit well.
I, for one, almost never read his column anymore, because his caustic commentary gets too personal and nasty. It is one thing to point out general inconsistencies, but outright attacks are unacceptable. His treatment of Lamar’s campaign was shameful.
It is also unacceptable to me to “quote” write-ins that are unidentified, and could be of his own making. To me, he tends to have a certain agenda, and uses these “write-ins” to bolster his views, but in a not so nice diatribe. Just don’t like it at all, so very often just skip his column. Also find it can often be positively vapid. It seems to be one extreme or the other.
The other problem is that the Enterprise allows political opinion to bleed onto the regular news page. It’s reporting is so biased, I don’t read a lot of the articles either. I pick and choose what to read, just keeping an eye on upcoming events, etc. It is not all bad reporting – I think their coverage of the school budget fiasco has been reasonable. But lets face it, the school funding mismanagement fiasco was way under-reported. The one good feature about the Davis Enterprise is the Letter to the Editor section, which I read religiously, and sometimes contribute to.
What I find refreshing about the Vanguard is that it goes much more in depth on issues, and through the comment section, brings other views into the mix. I can ask questions and get answers. I am actually fairly conservative in my views, yet still feel welcome to voice my opionions here. The back and forth commentary is actually enjoyable to engage in – and DPD is willing to follow up on leads we give him. My hats off to you, DPD, and I do agree the Enterprise could use some major tweaking. It tends to be full of fluff, rather than good investigative reporting – as if they want to portray Davis as this perfect little town with no underlying problems. I like the fact that you are willing to rock the boat! Rocking the boat is what can bring about needed change for the better…
I agree with you DPD, and so do various citizens. I have heard from many, who used to like Bob Dunning’s columns, when there was more of an effort to be unbiased and fairminded in his criticisms. However, many have noted that in the past few years his column has devolved to personal attacks that do not sit well.
I, for one, almost never read his column anymore, because his caustic commentary gets too personal and nasty. It is one thing to point out general inconsistencies, but outright attacks are unacceptable. His treatment of Lamar’s campaign was shameful.
It is also unacceptable to me to “quote” write-ins that are unidentified, and could be of his own making. To me, he tends to have a certain agenda, and uses these “write-ins” to bolster his views, but in a not so nice diatribe. Just don’t like it at all, so very often just skip his column. Also find it can often be positively vapid. It seems to be one extreme or the other.
The other problem is that the Enterprise allows political opinion to bleed onto the regular news page. It’s reporting is so biased, I don’t read a lot of the articles either. I pick and choose what to read, just keeping an eye on upcoming events, etc. It is not all bad reporting – I think their coverage of the school budget fiasco has been reasonable. But lets face it, the school funding mismanagement fiasco was way under-reported. The one good feature about the Davis Enterprise is the Letter to the Editor section, which I read religiously, and sometimes contribute to.
What I find refreshing about the Vanguard is that it goes much more in depth on issues, and through the comment section, brings other views into the mix. I can ask questions and get answers. I am actually fairly conservative in my views, yet still feel welcome to voice my opionions here. The back and forth commentary is actually enjoyable to engage in – and DPD is willing to follow up on leads we give him. My hats off to you, DPD, and I do agree the Enterprise could use some major tweaking. It tends to be full of fluff, rather than good investigative reporting – as if they want to portray Davis as this perfect little town with no underlying problems. I like the fact that you are willing to rock the boat! Rocking the boat is what can bring about needed change for the better…