By JEFF JELLISON
Reporter Publisher
Editor’s note: Jeff Jellison is a lifelong resident of Hamilton County, the Publisher and Owner of the Hamilton County Reporter newspaper, and a deputy coroner for Hamilton County who has announced his intention to file as a Republican candidate for Coroner in the 2022 Primary Election.
Wikipedia’s definition of journalist: An individual trained to collect/gather information in form of text, audio or pictures, processes them to a newsworthy form and disseminate it to the public.
I’ve often made the comment that I’m not a journalist. Writing does not come easy for me; however, I do feel that I do a good job of collecting local news and bringing it to Reporter readers. So, by definition, I’ll concede to the title.
Journalists are more often read than seen. Their work is typically produced from behind a keyboard and computer screen. It may help to understand who these people are when they close their laptops each day. Some are your neighbors, some sit next to you in the church pew, some are parents and grandparents, and most are engaged in their communities outside of their work.
I recently read a blog post from Fishers blogger Larry Lannan. Larry’s post discussed fundraising efforts by the Democratic Party. Larry wrote, “Just so you know, it is not ethical for a journalist, even a volunteer reporter like myself, to make a contribution to any political party.” Click here to read Larry’s blog post.
I disagree with Larry and would like to know what rulebook says a “journalist” shouldn’t be able to spend their hard-earned paycheck to support the political party of their choosing.
The right to associate is guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. In my opinion, that includes choosing a political party and supporting the party financially. It should not matter what you do for a living.
It’s that time of year when local candidates begin announcing their intentions. In a little over 60 days they will be lining up at the Election Office to file necessary campaign paperwork. Candidates and political parties will need your support. Most importantly, the candidates will need your vote. If you are not registered to vote, you may do so at indianavoters.in.gov.
Newspaper editorial departments large & small all over the country endorse political candidates regularly.
Theres a long tradition of journalists involvement in elections, one can agree of disagree with such involvement.
Contrary to the premise of the title ; Mr. Lannahan has not ‘decided’ anything .. he’s stated his personal opinion on the matter.
Even as a reluctant journalist, accuracy in reporting is no less a noble goal.
Voters, elected officials & most notably ; Judges & Jurys decide matters – as you’re aware of.
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