From:
To: City Council
Subject: Sebastopol governent media policies
Date: Monday, March 3, 2025 11:35:24 AM
Dear Sebastopol City Council,
I'm a relatively new resident to the city; my wife and I moved here this past July. Reading news media coverage about the city--its successes, its troubles, its controversies and histories-- has helped us get the lay of the land and feel connected to our new home. During the most recent election cycle, I felt I was able to make informed electoral decisions precisely because of the excellent reporting done by the Sebastopol Times, the Press Democrat, and others.
I am also a professional journalist, serving as a news editor for Science magazine. Every day, I see firsthand how journalists' access to public officials forms a critical part of the apparatus for keeping citizens informed about their government and civic life.
I would urge you to embrace media policies that emphasize the importance of rapid, clear, concise communication with members of the media. It is not always easy. Reporters, like elected officials, are human beings. Mistakes and misunderstanding can and do arise. But working in good faith with our local media remains the best way to make sure your constituency is as well-informed as possible.
Thank you for your time. Sincerely,
Michael Price