For those of you that know me, and those of you that don't, I feel I need to take the time to introduce and re-introduce myself from this new post. This week, I took the helm of this paper, and I will be the first to admit, the role snuck up on me somewhat.
Last week I was "Ma-ma," although my son rarely says so because he doesn't seem to realize that I am separate from him, not yet. I was "D," which is a nickname for "step-mom," and I was juggling creative projects including sewing, writing and producing radio.
As great as it is to be all of that (and yes, it's even pretty great being a step-mom most of the time) it is very nice to have this title, and to sink into the task of making this newspaper happen every week. I've had great experiences working as a reporter in small communities, I have no doubt many more lie ahead.
My first job out of journalism school was as a reporter for CBC radio in Saint John, New Brunswick. My summer was fog-bound, but there was always an interesting story around the corner. Plans to build a liquid natural gas terminal in town brought hundreds of very vocal citizens out to a public meeting, as did plans to build a Walmart.
Bowen is idyllic compared to Saint John. There are no smokestacks here, the sun shines plenty in summer, and it's beautiful even when it rains. But passions run equally high. My first day on the job at The Undercurrent, covering a three-hour council meeting in which no major decisions were made was a case in point. The Mayor threatened to sue the Phorum for libel, then proceeded to tell a member of the public to "shut up," during her presentation. Twice.
As the Phorum tells it, and as we all know, a moment like this brings out stark contrasts in perspectives: there are plenty of people on Bowen island who think the mayor was way out of line on both of these points; and others who cheer him on and defend his character.
I won't tell you that I am entirely objective on all stories, I'm not sure that's possible for any human being. However, I will say that my opinion in all this doesn't matter much. It's my job to tell the story of this place as it unfolds week to week, the best I can, in a way that is fair and thoughtful. I'm up for the job, and I'm also planning to enjoy it.
As I said in my interview: I didn't just move here because it's pretty. Bowen's full of interesting people and interesting stories. It's a great community with a lot to offer, and as the editor of The Undercurrent, I will do my best to put out a paper worthy of it.
