A front page news article published in the Chisago County Press on 4-8-10 has left many questioning the motivation and timing of “Court date set next month for Fish Lake Twp. civil lawsuit” (www.chisagocountypress.com). The sketchy article provides inaccurate and selective information regarding a civil lawsuit filed nearly one year ago on 6-18-09. For instance; if Chisago County Press Managing Editor, Denise Martin, had merely verified the title of the article before publication, she would have found that the May court trial date had been cancelled.
Some readers view the newspaper article as a blatant attempt to influence public opinion and taint the jury pool just before the upcoming trial. Others believe the article was politically motivated by Commissioner Ben Montzka because it illustrates another example of his ongoing covert efforts to unseat rival Commissioner Mike Robinson. They argue that Commissioner Montzka intends to insure the viability of his Robinson-opposition candidate, Bob Carter, for the next District 5 commissioner race. Commissioner Montzka’s close political ties to Editor Denise Martin are also widely well-known.
What journalistic Code of Ethics would justify the Chisago County Press to publish such political propaganda? Is there no shame in their game?
