The Forecaster’s Steve Mistler has done a yeoman’s job investigating and researching Oxford Aviation’s background over the last 9 months or so. You might say he engaged in journalistic “due diligence” as to their credentials and prior dealings with various officials and governmental bodies. This is a virtually unknown skill in our area; others should take note.
Steve has just posted a news analysis on the subject. It opens up several new questions, and ensures that the public is more “willfully informed,” which, one would think, is what journalists are supposed to do. Others should take note. We should look forward to further “discussions” of the MRRA’s performance on the Oxford caper.
Here’s a sample passage from the column:
What is clear is Levesque’s close relationship with Oxford Aviation began when he was Gov. Angus King’s DECD commissioner.
In 1996, Levesque signed off on a grant that had Oxford promise to create 50 jobs to bring its workforce to 80 employees. According to published reports, the company fell well short of that goal, creating about a dozen positions.
According to DECD documents, Oxford’s job requirements were forgiven because of its remote location and a poor economy had hampered its growth schedule – a puzzling explanation since those same factors were used to justify the grant funding.
If I were you, I’d stock up on some popcorn. This could be fun.
And for anyone who comments on this post, I’ll see to it that you qualify to get the Forecaster free of charge. I’ve got connections, you know.
Poppycock,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you any more than I do even if you personally deliver a Mid-Coast Forecaster to me early on Thursday mornings with fresh hot coffee and a donut. Steve Mistler as well as Alex Lear are shining examples of what objective journalism looks like. They rightly deserve to be applauded, and not just because it isn't easy to do but because it's also sometimes dangerous.
Frenostat