Crow Wing County Commissioner Paul Koering made some remarks at a county committee meeting that weren't in the best interests of citizens.
The Dispatch had an editorial in the paper last week very critical of the remarks made by Paul Koering. Paul is a candidate for the county auditor-treasurer's position.
Deborah Erickson, the wife of Matt Erickson, editor of the Brainerd Dispatch, is also a candidate for the county auditor-treasurer's position.
The Dispatch was correct and doing their job informing their readers relating to Paul Koering's remarks. However, there was serious ethical mistakes and possible cover-up by the Dispatch in not also providing full disclosure to the readers; that Deborah Erickson is the wife of the Dispatch's editor Matt Erickson.
Could politics be involved? Elections are Nov. 4. Salary and benefits for county auditor-treasurer is over $100,000 per year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Will the Dispatch say editor Erickson wasn't involved in writing the editorial? It was written by the associate editor or by the editorial board.
A full disclosure would still be the necessary, Matt Erickson is the editor and Deborah Erickson is a candidate.
The Brainerd Dispatch is owned by Forum Communications, Fargo N.D. Their website states: the foundation of Forum Communications companies success is based on:
integrity (we practice ethical behaviors), respect (we treat others as we would treat ourselves), responsibility (we take responsibility for our actions).
A written public apology from the Dispatch management to readers and Paul Koering for not providing full disclosure in their editorial will show the Dispatch and Forum Communications are very serious and dedicated about integrity, respect and responsibility as stated in their website.
A copy of this letter has been provided to Bill Marcil Jr. CEO and president of Forum Communications company, Fargo N.D.
Bob Olson
Brainerd
ADVERTISEMENT
BOB OLSON is former Brainerd City Council member and former Brainerd mayor.
