In All Fairness

[Sonia]

The Mayor's press secretary, MARIA PIGNATARO, wrote the following letter to the Jersey Journal, apparently due to the poor press the paper has given Mayor Healey over his term. We concur with the gist of her letter. We too have noticed that the Jersey Journal ("JJ") has often failed to report favorably on our Mayor. We first realized that this problem existed, back around the time when the JJ endorsed Lou Manzo for mayor. It seems Mr. Healey slighted the paper by, among other things, not appearing for an interview to answer questions regarding his candidacy. As we all know, Lou lost that election, but the JJ continued to give the newly elected mayor poor press. Someone should tell the editors of the newspaper, it's time to bury the hatchet, and consider the public's right to unbiased, thorough, reporting, as paramount to their publication.

Maria, although we're not front page at the Jersey Journal, the Newport Waterfront Association is happy to give you this platform:

Shorting Healy in your stories

Friday, March 31, 2006

Letters to the Editor
The Jersey Journal

I was once again dismayed by the coverage - or lack thereof - that The Jersey Journal consistently offers its readers with regards to Mayor Healy's initiatives.

On Monday, Mayor Healy hosted a press conference at City Hall that focused on the importance of making public crime data from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). In addition to the mayor, other speakers included Sen. Bob Menendez, Congressman Steve Rothman, Prosecutor Ed DeFazio, Police Chief Robert Troy and Bryan Miller, executive director of Ceasefire NJ.

The article, "Menendez, Rothman want public access to fed data on guns," which appeared way back on page 10 of the newspaper (four pages behind an article that discussed there would be fewer mailboxes in Jersey City), leads the reader to believe that Mayor Healy had no input on this issue or possibly was not even present. All speakers were quoted in the article, and Chief Troy was pictured holding a weapon confiscated by the Police Department. Mayor Healy was the only participant to never be mentioned. It clearly could not be an oversight!

What residents should know is that Mayor Healy has partnered with Ceasefire NJ shortly after Operation Lifesaver, the gun buyback program, and has been working diligently to raise public awareness about illegal gun trafficking.

Secondly, the mayor also mentioned at this event that he recently was in Trenton, as part of the Conference of Mayors Gang Task Force, and is advocating stiffer penalties for the unlawful transfer of a firearm to minors and also is supporting a bill that makes the possession of an assault firearm a second-degree crime, subject to five to 10 years jail time and a fine up to $150,000.

Jersey Journal covers, articles and editorials almost daily tout the rise in crime throughout the city. You would think that an initiative put forth by the leader of this city would be presented in a positive and informative manner.

MARIA PIGNATARO PRESS SECRETARY JERSEY CITY

[Lenin]

If I were the editor of the Joursey Journal I would view this story as a "non-newsworthy event!"

I mean, MAYOR OPPOSES GUNS isn't exactly headline material.

If Healy is unhappy about his press, he should do something pressworthy.

How about "J.C. Mayor calls for the Resignation of the President" ...that would get him press! :D:D

[Cleo]

Lenin,

We already have one politician calling for everyone's resignation, isn't that enough? :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[RPinky]

Unfair and Unbalanced

When is the slash and burn style of coverage, note I didn’t call it journalism, going to end by The Jersey Journal?

The editorializing headline, which called the JCPD Police town meeting a “bust” on it’s web version was neither fair, accurate or remotely a balanced effort by the writer. The writer’s intentions were clear. In fact, it’s print version says “some” dissatisfied. Why weren’t the others interviewed or mentioned, only the “some”?

Firstly, there were 350 residents, students, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, THE SUPERINTENDANT OF SCHOOLS, ETC. IN ATTENDANCE. There was tremendous feedback, mostly positive from those in the audience, however, the writer sought only to speak to a trio of attendees who criticized the effort, not the content of the presentation.

What happened to the dozens who were pleased to hear the department has an interactive website where precinct commanders will correspond with residents to address their concerns?

What about police response to the public’s demand for greater presence by reinstituting the bike patrols and more walking patrols? These initiatives drew applause and interrupted the presentation on four occasions? We have the footage to prove it. Tune in to JC1TV, Channel 1, your municipal channel.

The writer also failed to state that the series of initiatives launched, and those tabbed to be in-line for the immediate future, are the most progressive initiatives since police got off horses and into patrol cars.

The writer failed to also inform the readers that residents, on camera, were encouraged to speak with the police hierarchy following the presentation during the refreshment session. Yes, to ask questions and have them answered by police brass that stayed around for nearly an hour!

The writer also failed to inform the public that the question and answer session was held following the presentation in order to avoid the event from continuing into the late night hours for all in attendance.

This same writer witnessed and participated in a question and answer session held by myself and the critics she quoted, but she failed to acknowledge how pleased they were with the responses to some of their questions.

The writer also failed to inform the readers that the police department is bringing the presentation to the four quadrants of the city in the immediate future, where smaller crowds can hold a question and answer session without causing the presentation to go into the very late hours.

The meeting was set to be informative, showing the new initiatives and an era of transparency never before seen in the JCPD’s 177-year history.

By informing the public of the facts, the number of arrests, the anti gang squad, new in-service training for front-line supervisors (cops in the streets) the burglary squad, new equipment, new technology, a new police motto C.A.R.E. (Courtesy, Accountability Respect, Excellence), a new level of accountability; that isn’t “patting themselves on the back.”

The public deserves the right to know the facts and the plans for the future of the front line of first responders in the community. And that’s what made the meeting a success, the public was given insight unlike they have ever been given before.

As a former scribe of some success for The Jersey Journal, one who covered the police department for nearly 11 years, it’s troubling that the writer of the slash and burn fiction piece did not approach the bare essentials of journalism, objectivity. And we have to wonder why?

When I covered the police department, The Jersey Journal sought more information from the police department. Now, it’s here, in unparallel access. So why the unbalance?

Maybe its because the same writer, who has allegedly covered the city for nearly a year, within the last week felt embarrassed when she was taken to task within the last week by a police spokesperson when she did not know the name of the Police Director, the Director of the Incinerator Authority and the name of the Director of Housing and Economic Development.

Maybe it’s because this same writer blamed the Police Department for people who drop out of school, decide to use drugs and commit crime to pay for their drug habit. Or maybe it’s the same rationale the same writer used when stating that she holds the police accountable for when two drug abusers robbed and killed a Jersey City Heights family last year.

Perhaps this reporter wouldn’t see a “bust” or success story if it was sitting right in front of her, just like the Police Director, Sam Jefferson was, the night of the Town Hall meeting. Oh yeah, Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy was present as well, and spoke about the direction of the police department as well. But perhaps the reporter didn’t recognize him either, or is it another instance where the Mayor isn’t given mention for his hosting, participation and attendance at city events by The Jersey Journal.

For a fair and accurate report of the event, see the March 29th edition of the New York Times for an article by Jon Miller, who is no fan of the Healy administration, but efforts to be fair and cover the event itself, not force his agenda.//

Stan H. Eason
Former Police Reporter

[Jake2]

RPinky,

Don't know if anyone else from Newport attended this meeting, but I didn't make it, however, it now sounds like we missed a good meeting. What's the problem with the Jersey Journal? Why doesn't it like Mayor Healy? Has the reporter been fired for her obviously biased, unfair story? Seems like she should be.

[Stinky]

Has the reporter been fired for her obviously biased, unfair story? Seems like she should be.Why talk of firing? There's a long tradition of newspapers and journalists taking sides (look at Fox News). The job of a journalist is to write articles that inform us but also provoke us and make us think. A journalist should not be satified with bland reporting that struggles to be fair, politically correct and ultimately useless.

[JPhurst]

Heaven forbid a local newspaper criticize city officials.

What in the world is democracy coming to?

[Sonia]

Like most of us, I'm just a resident who on occasion reads the Jersey Journal. I don't work for the press or the government, but I do think a newspaper should report the facts in an unbiased fashion. Although I believe thought-provoking articles are by far much better than the bland spitting out of facts, I also believe a reporter has an obligation to report what actually happened, and not just a biased viewpoint. It's a thin line, but you be the judge. The following is the article that has caused all this controversy:

From the Jersey Journal:


'Town hall' JCPD meeting a bust

Residents were less than impressed with last night’s Jersey City Police Department presentation at Middle School 4, which had been billed as a town hall-style meeting.

At the event organized by Police Chief Robert Troy and deemed “A New Day,” Chief of Staff Lt. Tom Comey announced several new department initiatives and gave a commitment to work with the public in reporting and preventing crimes.

But those residents who'd made the effort to attend the event weren't allowed to ask questions.

Comey announced a new Web site; a Burglary Intelligence Unit; expanded bicycle and foot patrols; the addition of three more closed-circuit TV cameras, and the hiring of 44 new officers, bringing the force to 871 officers by April.

The department patted itself on the back for its gun buyback program and pledged to have COMPSTAT, a computer system that maps crime statistics, up and running shortly.

But the hour-and-a-half-long show left residents with more questions than answers.

“How much of our tax dollars were spent on this fluff?” resident Farah Nuradeen asked a city spokesman afterward since she wasn't allowed to speak at the meeting. “Instead of marching themselves up and down these stairs, why don’t they march themselves right over to Wayne (Street) and Jersey (Avenue) where everyone knows drug dealing is going on?”

The spokesman, Stan Eason, told Nuradeen and other women who had gathered around him after the meeting that the event was intended to be celebratory, comparable to the unveiling of a new car.

Carly Baldwin

[JPhurst]

That's "controversy?"

I really don't see much bias, other than that the reporter didn't search for administration cheerleaders.

Oh wait, there was Stan Eason, who was trying to explain why people couldn't actually ASK QUESTIONS at the "town meeting."

[Floridian]

I don't see the bias either. How is this bashing the mayor? They have a quote from someone who actually went and they seemed disillusioned by the meeting. How should this article have read?

[Lisa]

Short article, doesn't say much. Information is limited, but the reporter does report the following facts:

1. A meeting, sponsored by the JCPD, was held, and several new initiatives were announced, including:


a. Development of a new police web site,


b. Acquisition of 3 new closed circuit TV cameras, and


c. Employment of 44 new police officers.

I also get the impression the meeting was poorly attended; not too many residents were actually present. It seems those that did make it were unhappy and/or critical of the event because they were not allowed to ask questions, and felt that the meeting was a promotional stunt or "fluff". In my opinion, if my impressions are inaccurate, then the reporter's article is probably biased.

[Jeremyk]

Here's the article from the Hudson Reporter, which reads much better.

The Jersey City Police Department unveiled new initiatives for policing the city at a public meeting on Monday night, and 44 new officers are to be inducted this coming Friday.

The hour-long meeting on Monday at Middle School 4 on Bright Street included Powerpoint presentations about improvements including a new department website, increased patrols both by car and by bike, new vehicles, and even a new motto.

Police Chief Robert Troy and Deputy Chief Thomas Comey spoke for most of the meeting. Both men have been under fire from residents for the increase of the crime in the city, which included 39 homicides last year. City Councilman Steve Fulop previously called for both to step down from their posts.

The meeting came amidst rumors that Troy and Comey may be retiring as of July 1. But Troy insisted after the meeting that he was not retiring any time soon.

The meeting, which was billed as a "New Day" for the 177-year-old Police Department, did not impress a number of residents, who complained because they were not given an opportunity for a Q&A at the meeting.

The presentation began with video photographs of older Jersey City police forces with horse drawn carriages, officers with handlebar mustaches, and new recruits going through training in the Police Academy. Between the videos, Troy spoke for a few minutes thanking his entire force.

Mayor Jerramiah Healy said that despite the negative press about the 39 homicides in Jersey City in 2005, 75 percent of those crimes were solved by the Police Department, and the perpetrators were captured.

Comey said policing in the city has to be done differently than in years past, with the community being more involved.

"There is not a cop in this room that wouldn't like to throw the business community, the residents, and all the elected officials on its back and pull us to the finish line to fight these crimes," said Comey. "We can't. We have to admit that you are an integral part of what we do; we need you now to go to the next level. You are one of the fundamental things to get there."

Comey highlighted the accomplishments of what he called "an aggressive agenda" in policing the city that started 15 months ago when Troy became chief. He has hired 150 more officers, and the street crimes unit has made over 3,200 narcotics arrests and 340 gang arrests.

There was also a gun buyback program initiated by Mayor Healy and Ward F City Councilman Viola Richardson.

Comey then announced the new Web site (www.njjcpd.com) where there are e-mail links to various commanders around the city. He also announced the implementation of a burglary intelligence unit, expanded bicycle and foot patrols, three more closed-circuit TV cameras, the hiring of 44 new officers, and new marked and unmarked police cars.

And he announced the new motto - C.A.R.E (Courtesy, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) - which he said is part of a new approach to dealing with the public.

But some audience members said after the meeting that in the past, the police may have forgotten the courtesy, accountability and respect part.
Wanted to ask questions

Nilsa Rodriguez wanted to know why there was only a presentation not an opportunity for residents to ask questions.

"Why weren't we allowed to ask questions?" said Rodriguez. "I don't care to see a presentation" Rodriguez, a Downtown Jersey City resident, also asked why the police hadn't done a better job, since they have an $83 million budget.

Farah Nuradeen, a Jersey Avenue resident, also wondered why audience members couldn't question Troy and Comey on the new initiatives, and why it was advertised as a "town hall meeting" rather just as a presentation.

Troy defended the meeting, saying there was nothing advertised to give the impression that it would be a public forum.

He did concede that the presentation was opportunity for the Police Department to present "good news" about the department and its initiatives. He said the media focused on the homicides, the rising crime, and residents' anger toward the police.

A Bergen-Lafayette resident, Laverne Webb-Washington, thought the presentation was "very good" but was disappointed that the police didn't do a better job of advertising the event. It was attended by over 300 people, but many were senior citizens bused in for the event with city buses.


©The Hudson Reporter 2006

[JPhurst]

The Reporter Article is better, because it is longer and has more detail. But the impression is the same, that the city held a pep rally and called it a Town Meeting.

[Sonia]

By definition, I believe a town hall meeting does require Q & A's, otherwise, it's been incorrectly characterized. However, no matter what kind of meeting it turned out to actually be, the reporter fails to have provided enough coverage of the event for readers to get a clear understanding of what took place.

JP, in response to your post concerning a "controversy", there clearly is disagreement on how the story should have been crafted between the city (RPinky's post) and the reporter, who covered the story.

If anyone has a copy of the New York Times article, we would appreciate your posting it on this thread for comparison purposes.

[RPinky]

If anyone has a copy of the New York Times article, we would appreciate your posting it on this thread for comparison purposes.
New York Times

March 29, 2006

Jersey City Ratchets Up Police Efforts Against Crime

By JONATHAN MILLER

JERSEY CITY, March 28 — After a spike in crime and mounting concern from residents, the police here say they are now turning a page in their efforts to fight crime and plan to carry out a fresh strategy to deal with it.

Those plans, announced this week, include a retooled computer tracking system for crimes, increased foot and bicycle patrols and more surveillance cameras throughout the city. On Monday, officials held a community meeting to announce the changes.

"You know the problems we've been having in the last several months," the police director, Samuel Jefferson, told about 300 people in the Public School No. 4 auditorium. "Let's pray together."

Those problems include 39 murders in 2005, up from 23 in 2004; more gang activity and drug dealing; and a recent string of high-profile muggings and armed robberies in the city's gentrifying downtown, which prompted the Guardian Angels to begin patrols there.

While the city's downtown has gone upscale in the past few years, with new office towers, luxury high-rises, cafes and young professionals, the recent increase in crime and the media attention it received blindsided leaders here.

"We thought it was time to give to citizens an idea of the work and accomplishments of the Jersey City Police Department in the past 18 months," Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy said of the public meeting on Monday.

The planned changes, according to officials, include a beefed-up CompStat program , a computer tracking system instituted in New York City in the 1990's to better understand crime patterns. Officials said versions of the program had been used previously in Jersey City but had not been effective.

"The average cop on the beat will have more information, post-CompStat, than he had before," said Lt. Thomas Comey, the police chief of staff, who said the system would give the police "real-time data" on criminal activity in the city.

"One day at a time, one block at a time, we will turn this city around," he said.

Officials commended the gang and narcotics divisions that had made thousands of arrests in the past year and a gun buyback program that has netted nearly 900 firearms.

The department's new Web site: njjcpd.org, was started on Monday. Forty-six new recruits are scheduled to join the department in April.

"We see our efforts turning the corner in 2006, " said the police chief, Robert Troy. "We see absolute success."

Officials also urged residents to report crimes and stay in contact with their police precincts. "The days of police doing it on our own are long since gone," Lieutenant Comey said.

While some residents said they were happy with the proposals, many others left the meeting skeptical and disappointed that they were not allowed to ask questions or voice complaints to the mayor and chief.

When asked what she thought of the meeting, Leila Haddad, the owner of Sweet Priscilla, a downtown coffee shop, scoffed. "Fluff," she said. "A feel-good P.R. piece."

She said she had noticed an increase in crime in the neighborhood over the past year or so, was fearful of being held up and said she was disappointed that there had not been a question-and-answer session.

A spokesman for the city, Stan Eason, said the meeting had not allowed questions for a reason. "If we opened it up, we knew we'd be there to 1 in the morning," he said, but added that officials planned to hold four question-and-answer sessions in the coming weeks .

Nilsa Rodriguez, a lifelong resident of the city and the owner of Subia's Cafe, said she had also grown concerned with recent holdups at businesses and said she had seen a decrease in police presence.

"You see no outreach at all," she said.

Officials say they are working to correct that. Their initiatives are now lumped together under a new slogan for the Police Department — "Courtesy, Accountability, Respect and Excellence," or C.A.R.E.

Lieutenant Comey told the audience, "We want you to hold us accountable for what we do."

Mr. Healy predicted that the new efforts would significantly reduce crime within the next six months.

"We're doing the best we can," he said. "We know we need to do more."


Copyright 2006The New York Times Company

[Cleo]

What a difference one article can make. The New York Times article leaves a totally different impression. It's apparent the meeting was to announce an increased drive to improve JCPD service. The hometown rags should encourage their efforts, instead of advancing the negative criticisms of wannabes like Steve Fulop. So what if he called for Troy's resignation. So far, he hasn't shown one GOOD reason why the Chief should resign. As far as I know, in this country, people are innocent until proven otherwise. When will the hometown papers start reporting Steve Fulop's many imperfections?

It's not surprising most people in Newport don't bother buying the Jersey Journal. We prefer reading the news, not some reporters slanted view of things. :(

[Stinky]

Isn't it interesting the way different people can read the same article and form completely different opinions. I read the NYT item and came away with the impression that the JCPD did a fluff presentation that left most of the attendees disappointed. It was a longer piece but didn't have a different tenor than either of the other articles.

[Sonia]

Unquestionably, the NYT's article is much better balanced than the JJ's or the Hudson Reporter's. To me, it looks like Jonathan interviewed two people who were unhappy with the meeting (Hadad and Rodriquez), but he also reports some residents were happy with the proposals, although he does not name anyone. In a pool of 300 people, overall, it's unlikely the reporters would know if the majority of people were satisfied with the proposals, or not. All reporters, however, know conflict sells newspapers better that conformity.

Miller's style is just sharper than his colleagues. take for example, his choice of words to describe the meeting, "Ratchets up...." Isn't a ratchet a tool that forces something to move or push? So does this mean the city is pushing up its police efforts against crime? It's good enough news to catch the reader's eye, and make us read further.

I surmise the reason why Miller was able to move from reporting for the Jersey City Reporter to the New York Times is his skill. ;)