Editorial: Dobson’s misrepresentations unacceptable (July 3, 2008)
We at The Post try hard to get our readers as much of the news that affects them as possible. Sometimes the calendar conspires against us (a lag of a couple days between when the paper is produced and when it is distributed to your mailbox often means you read our stories nine or 10 days after the fact) means you don’t find the story you expect to see in The Post.
A case in point is the potential agreement between the Kennebunk Kennebunkport Wells Water District and the Poland Spring bottling company. The story is complex and controversial and we faced the choice between getting the story now and getting the story right.
Due to a combination of the calendar and logistics, The Post declined to send a reporter to a June 25 meeting of the District’s Board of Trustees.
It came as a shock when we learned, however, that someone at the meeting claimed to be representing us.
It appears Kennebunk-port resident Laurie Dobson was allowed into the meeting after claiming she worked for The Post.
It is true Dobson did work as a reporter for The Post for a short time several years ago.
That time has long passed.
For the past three years, she has been a frequent letter-writer as well as the subject and source for several stories.
This does not give Dobson license to unilaterally act on our behalf, or use the name of our publication to gain access she would otherwise not be allowed.
Dobson’s explanation for her action has shifted – first stating she was asked “where did she work,” which depending upon the definition of “did” is, may have been technically accurate, although logically and reasonably disingenuous. She then told The Post’s Managing Editor Colleen Marshall, both during a telephone message and subsequent voice mail messages, that she in fact does have some ongoing relationship as a Post employee. The assertion is patently ludicrous given the fact that it was asserted to the very person who would know of such an arrangement.
Dobson has also explained that she unsuccessfully tried to make clear to the meeting’s gatekeepers before being shuffled in that she was there on behalf of WERU radio. According to the actual WERU reporter present at the meeting, Adam Lacher, such an assertion was about as accurate as Dobson’s claim that she “did” work for The Post. WERU News and Public Affairs Manager Amy Browne said Laurie Dobson, “does not work for, volunteer for or in any way represent WERU.”
While Dobson still claims to be a independent candidate for the U.S. Senate, that too is debatable, as the Deputy Secretary of State Julie Flynn says Dobson did not gather enough valid signatures before the statutory deadline. Dobson is appealing that decision in Maine Superior Court, but as it stands now, she is not listed as a candidate and will not appear on any ballot.
Be that as it may, Dobson’s actions should give pause to anyone considering supporting her pursuit for such a prominent office.
–Ward Peck, editor
A case in point is the potential agreement between the Kennebunk Kennebunkport Wells Water District and the Poland Spring bottling company. The story is complex and controversial and we faced the choice between getting the story now and getting the story right.
Due to a combination of the calendar and logistics, The Post declined to send a reporter to a June 25 meeting of the District’s Board of Trustees.
It came as a shock when we learned, however, that someone at the meeting claimed to be representing us.
It appears Kennebunk-port resident Laurie Dobson was allowed into the meeting after claiming she worked for The Post.
It is true Dobson did work as a reporter for The Post for a short time several years ago.
That time has long passed.
For the past three years, she has been a frequent letter-writer as well as the subject and source for several stories.
This does not give Dobson license to unilaterally act on our behalf, or use the name of our publication to gain access she would otherwise not be allowed.
Dobson’s explanation for her action has shifted – first stating she was asked “where did she work,” which depending upon the definition of “did” is, may have been technically accurate, although logically and reasonably disingenuous. She then told The Post’s Managing Editor Colleen Marshall, both during a telephone message and subsequent voice mail messages, that she in fact does have some ongoing relationship as a Post employee. The assertion is patently ludicrous given the fact that it was asserted to the very person who would know of such an arrangement.
Dobson has also explained that she unsuccessfully tried to make clear to the meeting’s gatekeepers before being shuffled in that she was there on behalf of WERU radio. According to the actual WERU reporter present at the meeting, Adam Lacher, such an assertion was about as accurate as Dobson’s claim that she “did” work for The Post. WERU News and Public Affairs Manager Amy Browne said Laurie Dobson, “does not work for, volunteer for or in any way represent WERU.”
While Dobson still claims to be a independent candidate for the U.S. Senate, that too is debatable, as the Deputy Secretary of State Julie Flynn says Dobson did not gather enough valid signatures before the statutory deadline. Dobson is appealing that decision in Maine Superior Court, but as it stands now, she is not listed as a candidate and will not appear on any ballot.
Be that as it may, Dobson’s actions should give pause to anyone considering supporting her pursuit for such a prominent office.
–Ward Peck, editor
Nestle is very well represented. If someone (mis)represented your newspaper while representing the citizens who have been less than informed about this theft of the public commons, your apology is misplaced.
Please keep us informed about pending, under the radar corporate deals that benefit only the corporations.
Leslie Brundige
Kennebunk, Maine
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Apparently, you vilified Laurie Dobson for your own failure to cover the most important story in Kennebunkport and neighboring towns. The proposed mining of water by Nestle would destroy watershed– dry wells, allowing salt water to contaminate fresh water bodies for 30 to 55 years. Nestle can terminate the contract, but the water district is bound for the duration. Kennebunk Post failed to cover the meeting where this contract could have been ratified? Ironically, Ward Peck states, “the story is complex and controversial, and we faced the choice between getting the story now and getting the story right.” Nevertheless, other reporters attended, including, as Ward Peck notes, WERU from Hancock County. Ward Peck is biased, and failed to cover the meeting because of the protests against the contract, thereby censoring opposition from the community.
The water district board met secretly - against the public interest. The Board violated the state Public Meetings law by barring the public from attending. Ms. Dobson was one of only a few residents allowed in, while most others were district employees. By shining light on the secret actions of the Board, Ms. Dobson’s actions are exemplary and should be lauded by your pecuniary paper.
Don't count you chickens, Ward. I witnessed the circulators oaths, and Laurie has all her ducks in a row. The secretary is wrong, dead wrong, as he so often is. Laurie is the independent candidate for US Senate, and she gets my vote.
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Does anyone truly think it's okay for someone to gain entry to a meeting through misrepresenting their affiliation?
Does anyone truly think such a person would make a good Congressmammal?
After all - don't we have enough liars in Washington now?
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Does anyone truly think that Naran Row-Spaulding (if that is her real name) thinks?
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Mr. Cohen - nice try, but no stogie, as the old saying goes.
You failed to answer the question. Let's try again, shall we?
Do you think it's acceptable for anyone to falsely represent themselves as media in order to gain access to a meeting?
According to House Representative Ken Lindell, he also witnessed Ms. Dobson try to lie her way into a conference where Senator Susan Collins was speaking in Augusta last year, as well.
According to Rep. Lindell, Dobson tried to say she was a Republican delegate, so that she could gain entrance. She didn't succeed.
Of, course, you are welcome to waste your vote in any manner you choose, but I repeat - don't we have enough liars in Washington already?
Sincerely,
Ms. Naran Row-Spaulding
Kennebunk
ps ~ yes, that's my name. My mother named me after a person referenced in the Bible. Any other questions?
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