As a journalist, one of the most frustrating things about the job can be getting out-scooped. In a city the size of Columbia, with so many media outlets, it unfortunately happens more than I’d like.
So when my editor came to me saying a local blogger had posted possible City Council and mayoral candidates, I understood his frustration that we hadn’t gotten the news first.
It became my job to search all the names Mike Martin listed in his blog and confirm or deny if they were running. This proved a more difficult task than I’d thought. I found phone numbers and e-mails easily enough but got no responses.
Persistence is the key to journalism. I heard back from Dave Machens who denied that he is running for mayor. Dan Goldstein also said he will not be running for the Fourth Ward seat in the council.
Sarah Read and Tracy Greever-Rice confirmed they were running for the Fourth Ward seat, and Paul Love confirmed his run for mayor. I wrote stories on these candidates.
The lesson learned is to always listen and look for news. Getting the news first is a great feeling, and getting it accurate is even better.
Filed under: 4th Ward, City Council, City Government, Reporter's Notebook | Tagged: 2010 mayoral race, Chelsea Arnold, Dan Goldstein, Dave Machens, Fourth ward city council race, Mike Martin, Paul Love, Sarah Read, Tracy Greever-Rice
