Comments reported were unnecessary

To the editor,
This letter is to express concern over the method of journalism used to cover the Koochiching Economic Development Authority story on Thursday, Aug. 27.
First of all, it is not news that the city and county have a difficult time communicating these days, and while it’s probably true, it is certainly unfortunate that the county board does not trust the current city administration. It is also unfortunate that The Journal felt the need to print the comments by Commissioner Wade Pavleck regarding the administration of the city of International Falls, in particular, the mayor and administration.
Why does the paper keep throwing gas on the fire? Is it solely because conflict sells papers? Are we so desperate to sell a few papers, that a reporter must insert inflammatory and unnecessary comments that are not informative, but merely intend to perpetuate this problem?
Commissioner Pavleck stated that I stand for the people of the Falls and am concerned about the well-being of my community. While I appreciate Wade’s comments, I cannot agree with the premise that the administration in which I work and take part is derailed and doing harm, yet I am doing well; I am standing on the side of the citizens.
The fact is I agree with the path the city is taking. I have voted and vocally supported actions the city has taken regarding rural fire, (Highway) 332, and other contentious agendas causing a communication problem between the county and the city. I thank my good friend Commissioner Pavleck for his comments, because I believe they are from his heart. But while stating that, I must remind him that I am part of the administration he condemns. My motions and decisions are the same as the mayor’s and council’s. So if the mayor and the city council are wrong, how can I be right?
I feel very strongly that the city of International Falls is representing its taxpayers in the best and most courageous manner possible, and when it comes down to it, the city has asked for meetings and contact with the county for two years, and has been turned down at every attempt. This communication problem is not the fault of the city council. It falls to the county to end it, so our taxpaying citizens have faith again in the process.
For The Journal to foster ongoing tensions between these two parties is not good journalism. It borders on the sensationalism that good journalists are taught to avoid.
Trust between the two entities manifested itself at a joint airport meeting last week and must continue in order to cure a festering problem that both parties control. Our community is struggling partly because of this problem.
Commissioner Pavleck and I would probably throw ourselves on a grenade for each other, but we must stop throwing grenades.
Tim “Chopper” McBride
International Falls, MN