Sorry… I am having a hard time keeping a straight face while reading Richard Mostyn’s recent Yukon News editorial about what he sees as improprieties on my blog.
He questions my integrity for allowing paid advertising on the Mayor’s Blog, suggesting that it opens me up to influence peddling. He says that someone might gain special favour with me if they plunk down enough cash for a banner ad.
He also suggests that I am using my Mayor’s blog web site to actively solicit money, implying that I am open to bribes. No doubt there are elected officials in Yukon’s past that will know more about that activity than I.
Allow me to expose the fallacy in his proposition.
I’ve been engaged in the selling of goods and services ever since arriving in the Yukon. According to Mr. Mostyn’s argument, as long as I hold public office I’m not allowed to sell my artwork and crafts or carry out contract work for any locals out of concern that I will grant municipal favours in return for their consideration. I also sell website hosting space with a long list of clients and I do the odd web site design for local businesses and individuals. Are they expecting special dispensation from our municipal government because they chose to do business with me who also happens to be the Mayor?
Actually I think the reverse is true. There are probably more people out there who avoid giving business to a part-time Mayor or Councillor in private life based on a disgruntlement over an issue.
The business of selling advertising on all of my web sites – regardless of what they are called – is well within my right to carry on a commercial enterprise and I will continue to do so. No one is obligated to visit my Mayor’s blog much less click on an ad.
I realize that Mr. Mostyn is pointing out that my website is set up as the ‘voice of the Mayor’ and that any hint of commercialism reeks – even if that ‘voice’ is my own and not council’s. The optics may not be to everyone’s liking, and if it is a compelling issue they will have the opportunity to express their views on election day.
As far as the “You Can Treat the Mayor to a Pint” link goes, I can see how some humourless people might see that as a solicitation of funds – let’s not get silly. I’m thinking of re-instating that feature so grown-ups can exercise that option if they wish. No one is twisting any arms here.
Election time is upon us. I am running for Mayor of Dawson and if re-elected will continue to proudly serve the best little town in the world with honesty and integrity, with a dash of good humour.
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John….I think most people have a hard time keeping a straight face when reading Richard Mostyn’s “stuff”. Your response put him down on a bottom rung…where he belongs…in my opinion. Congratulations on running for Mayor of Dawson City. Good luck.
Adam Morrison. Remember me….I used to live in that best little town!
Thanks Adam, and yes everyone remembers you as having contributed to the betterment of our town when you served on council rather than stand on the sidelines with a bellyache, like some.
Read Richard’s rant with dropped jaw at lunch yesterday. With all the things that are going on in the territory – from Fentie’s Folly to the Terror that is Trevor – I could hardly believe that he took on that topic. We happened to have a Klondike Sun board meeting last evening and our assembled quorum agreed that this particular essay was quite the silliest thing we’ve seen in ages.
By the way – did they BUY the “read the Yukon News” ad at the top of this page, or are you just being puckish?
Thanks Dan,
It’s doubtful that most newspapers will ever publish stories that are overly critical of a product or service that is also a substantial advertiser. It would seem that this symbiotic relationship is the gold standard in ‘influence peddling’.
Quite rightly the Yukon News editor should focus on what is relevant rather than what he has been told to write.
hey john:
I think you should put the buy a beer back up and perhaps you can add my name as well. Good luck in the Mayorality race
Thanks Brian! I hear I’ll be running against Mr. P.J.
Newspapers sell advertising, therefore they must write good stories about their advertisers, right?