Happy 12th Birthday, Chelsea Update.
For the last dozen years, including almost 50 years as a journalist, it’s been my honor and privilege to bring readers the news.
From my time in high school, where I was hired as a sports stringer, to today, as publisher of Chelsea Update, being a reporter is the only thing I ever wanted to do with my career.
I’ve tried my best to do so with integrity, pivoting from covering sports to news to being named an editorial page editor and ombudsman along the way.
Regardless of the position I was in, I’ve always tried my best to do so accurately and to the best of my ability. Championing the positive whenever possible.
When I decided to bring readers local news “my way” with Chelsea Update, this was the biggest risk of my long career. I believed I had it in me to run a news source the right way, but wondered if the community would agree and support my efforts.
I’m proud of the job I’ve done with Chelsea Update. And you, the readers, have supported me every step of the way.
Have there been some mistakes? Some hiccups? Some very tough decisions that upset some readers? Absolutely.
And sure, there are some mistakes and some decisions I wish I’d made differently, but overall, I’ve always done my best to bring you the news fairly, accurately and without bias.
Delivery of news has changed dramatically over the years, but I’ve dug in my heels and not followed suit. Opinionated writing belongs on an editorial page. Or in letters to the editor. Or in a publisher’s message. So, I’ve tried to keep those slants there.
The past four months have been the toughest ones to date – that I’ll admit. All the issues with my left eye, which are a daily reminder of how precious vision is. The death of Buzz. The continued divisive politics of local elections … it’s been a lot to process.
But as I work through it all, one thing stays remains constant – daily news on Chelsea Update.
And last but not least, no birthday column would be complete without thanking the small staff who help me bring you the news through their terrific writing – Lisa Carolin and Crystal Hayduk – and through their amazing photos – Alan Ashley, Burrill Strong and Randy Lee.
If you see me out and about today, please be sure to wish Chelsea Update a happy, happy day. Or, show your appreciation with a donation to its continued success. Smile.
