We’ve all seen the negative headlines in recent years.
Newspaper chains close community papers, or large TV news networks slash jobs.
As a journalist, it’s worrisome because these reporters and
editors are often the ones watching the watchers – they’re the journalists who
hold our congressmen, powerful appointees, police departments, agencies and
others accountable.
That’s why I enjoy reading a story like I did last week,
where a California reporter uncovered wasteful spending even as one city
slashes employees and limits bonuses.
(Special words of advice to politicians, leaders, and other
stewards of public dollars: If you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on any
party, you’re begging to be mocked.)
During one of the worst recessions in United States history,
the port spent $200,000 entertaining port leaders from around the world at the
International Association of Ports and Harbors convention in South Korea
earlier this year.
The bill included $12,000 for wine, nearly $4,000 for
miniature Oscar awards handed out to all in attendance, and $41,000 to fly in
dancers from California.
Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz said the party was
intended to give a Hollywood theme and preview a 2013 convention that will be
held in Los Angeles.
CBS Los Angeles skewered
Knatz over the lavish party, and Knatz’s own $13,000 business class
airfare.
Knatz, CBS Los Angeles pointed out, made $307,000 in 2010 –
more than the Los Angeles Mayor and more than the California governor. The
station noted that Los Angeles has slashed jobs.
These facts were obtained after the TV station filed several
requests under California freedom of information law.
On a side note, Land
Line Magazine has its own FOI binder, complete with requirements of many
states and sample FOI request letters. You’d be surprised at the sheer number
of times we’re required to file a request under federal or state FOI laws
because authorities aren’t willing to give up information without a formal FOI
request.
Back to L.A.
The 2013 port convention may bring in as much as $4 million
in revenues, some reports say.
I’m hopeful that hardworking journalists in Los Angeles will
track that party’s expenditures as they did this year.
