August 13, 2007
Watchdog Wilson
I’d like to address an issue raised by some of our online readers about today’s story, “Watchdog Wilson.” The story was the centerpiece on Page A1 of the Press Herald and was the first story on pressherald.com this morning.
The story profiles Bill Wilson, a self-appointed watchdog of the Portland School Committee who has started an online petition to oust Superintendent Mary Jo O’Connor. The story describes Wilson as a business consultant who “practiced law for 20 years before he decided to advise businesses and nonprofits on issues such as personnel.”
After the story was published today, we received several phone calls and e-mails from readers wondering why we didn’t include the fact that Wilson’s license to practice law was suspended by the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar. Readers also discussed Wilson’s history at the bottom of the story on the Web site. One reader provided the link to the state record of disciplinary action against Wilson. Others debated the relevance of Wilson’s history as a lawyer.
We had a similar debate in the newsroom. We weren’t aware of Wilson’s legal history until the story was published; readers brought that to our attention. But we should have known. Our reporter could have done some deeper research. Wilson probably could have been more forthcoming.
That said, the information about Wilson’s history wouldn’t have changed the story significantly. It would have been an interesting detail in the story, and perhaps even shed more light on Wilson’s personality. But the story was still about one person’s effort to hold school officials accountable at a time when the system faces an estimated $2.5 million deficit.
E-mail this entry to a friend
We should all have people like Bill Wilson watching out for our childrens education. The people of the City of Portland should be glad that someone cares enough to do something about the very careless attitude and spending habbits of the Portland school system. Keep up the great work Bill!
Posted by
ColleenAugust 14, 2007 09:08 PM
Thank you Mr. Wilson,
For stepping up to the plate for the rest of us parents that for one reason or another can not be at all of the meetings and are very concerned about the future of our Portland Schools and their committees leadership. You are there because you have children in the system just like myself and alot of my friends.
Thank you Mr. Wilson.
Tom
Posted by
TomAugust 14, 2007 09:32 PM
Mr. Russell,
I'm all for fiscal responsibility, but I still find the Press Herald's coverage of the Schools' 2% overage very unbalanced, particularly when compared to coverage of other potential local controversies (ie. deficit size for the City of Portland, Pier project and public controversy, etc.). Will a supporter of Ms. O'Connor's be profiled as a local citizen-hero in an upcoming article, like Mr. Wilson? If Ms. O'Connor or Mr. Paulsen had been previously disciplined in another office due to substance abuse or psychological disturbances, wouldn't that have been noted as relevant to their "fiduciary fitness"? Mr. Wilson's reputation for personal invective and obsessive attendance record (when professionally he's been disciplined for missing filing deadlines, etc.) doesn't seem bizarre? And then the Press Herald brings up closing Casco Bay High School, which has never been touted as a restructuring possibility by the City or Schools...only by Mr. Wilson? Additionally, where are the students in this education debate???
The Press Herald is losing credibility by taking an activist stance in this situation, and giving a free pass to other sketchy Portland-area issues.
Posted by Anna
August 15, 2007 01:35 PM
Wilson is not a watchdog with fiscal responsiblity on his mind. He worked very hard to prevent the district from getting a grant that would have benefited all of the high schools. He's an unbalanced windbag with a grudge against the "new" school. PPH has no scruples. Covering this guy seems more important to them than giving the public real information. They're only interested in stirring comments. They have not served the public interest at all.
Posted by
PatriceAugust 21, 2007 09:27 AM
Post a comment
Blog Index
Subscribe
Questions/Comments
