Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my ongoing concern about The New Britain
Herald's apparent lack of objectivity and accuracy. As a New England
Newspaper and Press Association award winner, The Herald should
strive to maintain a higher standard of journalistic integrity.

Regarding “Fence for Fairview Cemetery embroiled in political
dispute," (Feb. 20), The Herald reported, "Democrats have accused the
administration of Republican Mayor Timothy Stewart of awarding no bid
contracts to (Alderman Willie) Pabon and Republican Alderman Mark
Bernacki, owner of Sir Speedy."

Why isn’t there anything to balance the accusation? The city's finance
director has said the claim is without merit, that the mayor is not
involved in any of these decisions, and he has explained that these
are not no-bid contracts, but purchases by department heads under
$3,000 that do not require a formal bidding process. That information
has been reported by other media outlets, yet none of this was
included in your story. Isn't it The Herald’s job to frame the issue
and give readers some context?

Additionally, other media sources have reported that the vast majority
of work Pabon did for the city occurred before he was even elected to
the Board of Alderman. It has also been reported that during some of
the time in question, Bernacki either didn't own the business, wasn't
an Alderman or that he had been a registered Democrats and Democratic
Mayor Lucian Pawlak was in office.

Further, the Chief State’s Attorney’s office has said they have not
received a complaint regarding this issue, as the Democrats initially
claimed. It is more than obvious this accusation by a political
operatives during campaign season is unfounded, yet The Herald
continues to beat a one-sided drum.

The Herald repeated lack of balance sadly speaks to it’s own political
bias and it's intentional effort to create an issue where none exists.
It is more than troubling; it is a grave disservice to the community.


Dwight Blint
Chairman, New Britain Republican Town Committee