Real World Reporting

Typically, journalism classes involve writing stories, doing some editing, designing layouts or learning about the history of the profession. Not this class. I never thought I would learn so much about local government in a journalism class. I also never thought I would be writing a blog about my experience or learning how to upload stories and graphics to a class Web site. Nor did I imagine I would be attending Greeley City Council meetings faithfully. However, I am very glad I did. This class has taught me so much about the real world of journalism. I learned how to attend a live event, take detailed notes, ask questions and interview those involved. Journalism is so much more than just sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture.

Today, news is online. Blogs are commonplace. Updating news to a Web site happens every hour. I would never have known how much I like posting my thoughts to a blog had I not taken this class. I also would not have discovered all that is involved in setting up a class Web site. Although all of these experiences have definitely made me a better journalist, they did not come easily. This class was very challenging; it was tough to schedule all the interviews, take the photos, attend the events and do it all before the deadline. However, this is the real world. The classroom setting is not the reality post-graduation. Before I took this class, if I had known all that it entailed, I probably would have shied away from it. But I am very glad I didn’t. It was good to get out of my comfort zone and see what this profession is really all about outside the classroom walls. I know that this class has helped me realize all that goes into being a successful journalist. And now I know that I am one step closer to being ready for the real world.

Gates Does Great

Last night the City Councilmembers elected John Gates as the Mayor Pro-Tem. Tonight, he was put to the test. With Tom Norton, the newly elected mayor, absent from the Nov. 17 City Council meeting, Gates took charge as the leader of the group. Gates was not the only new face on the panel. Two other Councilmembers made their debut at the meeting. Donna Sapienza and Sandi Elder began their service as Councilmembers tonight after being elected on Nov. 3.

The meeting was short and to the point; a breaking-in if you will for the new Council before the longer meetings begin. Gates kept the meeting flowing, and by my standards, did an excellent job. He gets an A in my book.

Although Gates did a good job tonight, this will not be his normal post. After a close race, Norton edged out former Councilmember Ed Phillipsen for the mayoral seat. Last night, at a special Nov. 16 meeting, Norton was sworn in at Council Chambers. Ed Clark, the previous mayor, passed the gavel to Norton and wished him the best of luck. Clark said that change is good, and added that he will still be around looking to help in any way he can. Norton thanked Clark for his service to the city of Greeley and then took his seat behind the desk. Look for Norton to make his first regular session appearance at the next City Council meeting. To learn more about the newly elected mayor, visit his Facebook page.

Politics and pizza

Spending hours in a newsroom is something I think I could get used to. Especially if pizza is served.

On election night, I spent a few hours in The Greeley Tribune’s newsroom, my first experience in a professional newsroom. When I arrived, the setting was just as I anticipated. The room is full of desks, each with a computer or two, some reference books and copies of The Tribune. The desks are clustered according to sections of the paper, and people are scattered about the different groups.

Shortly after arriving, the staff held a brief meeting to cover the assignments for the evening. Being election night, things were going to be busy. Pizza was delivered for all those involved as a little something extra for the long night ahead. During this meeting, I was reminded of the true purpose of a newspaper-- provide the information the readers need in the most effective way possible. We are no longer in the days of waiting until the morning paper is delivered to read the news. Now, with the Internet, breaking news is just a click away.

During the meeting, each staff member was delegated an online responsibility as well as a print one. Everyone was to monitor the election results, and update online stories accordingly. Additionally, stories had to be written for the paper going out tomorrow morning. This seemed a little stressful for me, but I think I would like it.

I am just amazed that despite the potential for chaos during such a busy night, stories are written, edited, placed into a layout and paired with graphics and photos all before the paper hits my driveway at the crack of dawn. Although the process seemed demanding at times, I think I would enjoy the atmosphere of a bustling newsroom on election night; it would be rewarding to know that I helped get the news out to readers both online and in print. Plus, there is pizza.

Martin Stands Alone

A big crowd turned out for the Oct. 20 City Council meeting. The local news networks were there. Photographers brought their cameras. Reporters had their notebooks. The reason for all this buzz? Pot.

That’s right, marijuana. This was the final reading of an ordinance pertaining to the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries. On the agenda, item number 35 proposed an ordinance to prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries in the city of Greeley.

Proponents on both sides of the topic came to argue their cause in front of the Council, just hoping to sway an opinion or two. Those in favor of adopting the ordinance to prohibit the dispensaries did not see the need for such establishments. Many were not advocates of having businesses set up in the Greeley community for selling marijuana. Others questioned the legitimacy of both the caregivers and the users.

However, the majority of those speaking to Council were against this ordinance, and therefore in favor of the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries. Jeri Shepherd is a supporter of the dispensaries because she said the drug offers legitimate benefits to those who are authorized to use it. Shepherd has a Web site, Sensible Colorado, used to gain support for medical marijuana. The other dispensary advocates agreed with Shepherd and added that allowing dispensaries legitimizes this business. They stressed the revenue for Greeley that sales tax dollars would generate and the ability to control who is using marijuana.

After much public input, the Council discussed the possibilities before voting on the ordinance. Mayor Ed Clark definitively stated that he is against dispensaries and therefore in favor of the ordinance. Councilmember Feldhaus agreed, stating that despite the compelling arguments from the audience, and the compassion he said he feels for the patients, there are just too few regulations in place to safely allow dispensaries. Councilmember Carrol Martin was the only one on the other side of the fence. He argued that dispensaries are the only way to enforce and regulate medical marijuana rules. Martin was unable to convince the others to oppose the ordinance resulting in a 6-1 vote to adopt the ordinance. This means that medical marijuana dispensaries are not allowed within the city of Greeley, but patients still may grow marijuana for their own personal use and continue to use the substance. The community support was there, the Council just wasn’t budging.

More Than Just Codes and Ordinances

It is often assumed that City Council meetings consist only of legal mumbo-jumbo that is incomprehensible to most people. Although there are some items pertaining to complex rules and regulations, meetings also include issues that are closer to home. For example, at the Oct. 6 meeting, the Greeley City Council heard of an important development in the community. During the citizen input portion of the meeting, Melissa Jensen addressed the Council to shed light on a new literacy center opening in Greeley. Jensen, the High Plains Library District Foundation director, stated that the High Plains Library District received a grant for executing new projects. With this grant money, the district is setting up a Southeast Greeley Literacy Center targeting single mothers, young children and senior citizens. This center will help those who do not have easy access to library resources. Jensen said that the demand for library services is increasing due to the state of the economy. Some residents are finding it increasingly difficult to gain access to the Internet and reading material. With this center, these resources will be available for those who need it. During her brief presentation, Jensen stressed the need for community partnership in order to move beyond these tough economic times. I certainly agree.

So, even though City Council meetings often seem overwhelming, we can all appreciate local developments and stay involved in the community. There is most definitely a community aspect to City Council meetings; it is not all about the legal ramifications of complicated issues. This bottom line has nothing to do with money totals; it has to do with community development. After all, that is what a city is about -- building a community.

Getting Started

I must be living in the dark ages because I have never blogged before. These online avenues are here to stay, so I guess I should catch up. The main concern I have with writing this blog, is that no one will be very interested in what I have to say. So my goal is to bring issues to the forefront in an interesting way.
I am excited to get into this project since it hardly seems like school work. This blog is just mine, and I can make it just how I want it. Most other assignments leave no room for personality. This project will be different; it should be fun. Not only will this be new and fun, but it will also provide me with some valuable tools. Most journalism outlets are turning to the Internet these days, and I need to be ready. Blogging is all the rage, and I am anxious to learn all about it and jump on board.