Harnett Dispatch

Questions Raised About Factual Constancy of Harnett Media Outlet Reporting

In a recent report that was released by another media outlet in Harnett County, concerning the County board of commissioners work session this week. Many people are speaking out and asking why some of the major facts were left out of the report that was published for the public.

Several people including some elected officials are questioning why the report left out some key important parts of the discussion that took place over the proposed Dunn-CCCC partnership.  The commissioners discussed Central Carolina Community Colleges takeover of the facility in Dunn.  County Manger, Tommy Burns expressed concern over the lack of knowing about the memo of intent to enter into an agreement. The report stated that Mr. Carnell Robinson expressed his concern also and that there was no attempt to keep the county out of the loop regarding the agreement.

The part people are Questioning

In the report there was no reference to the comments from the Chairman of the board, Joe Miller when he stated that the board had no knowledge of the plans and then asked Commissioner Jim Burgin who is the appointed trustee for CCCC from the county did he have knowledge of the plan and did he or did he not attend one of the meetings with the people involved.  Commissioner Jim Burgin replied that he had attended one meeting with the group the week prior. Chairman Miller was questioning Mr. Burgin because Mr. Burgin did not inform any of the other commissioners that this plan was coming forward and that it would require the county to put taxpayers fund toward the project.

According to sources Mr. Burgin actually met with the group an additional time which was confirmed by the town of Dunn elected officials.

So Why is this left out and only certain people are quoted?

Many people throughout the county including elected officials have noticed that a trend is being established that seems to always leave out comments from the Chairman and other county board members but two board members always seemed to be quoted on stuff that is not even newsworthy.  The Harnett Dispatch wanted to examine this trend, so we started reviewing prior articles from past meetings and events where county commissioners were quoted and discovered the same thing that people were claiming. In most cases the County Chair, Joe Miller is rarely quoted and if he was it was a short excerpt and we noticed other members of the board who make up the majority of the board were seldomly quoted. We did however notice that in over 90% of the stories one commissioner was always quoted.

Conclusion

We’re not implying that this was done on purpose or that there is a reason behind this coincidence. We are only examining the facts that are put before us and the public and allowing our readers to decide on their own.

Stay Tuned for our next big story. The Commissioner who wants driving school for county employees and reports on the average number of accidents for County Vehicles…..

Remember our headline:

Giving You The News Impartially, Without Fear or Favor