Reading through the different sections of “myopolis” the last couple of days, I've read a couple of different references to the "negative" feelings some may have about the Journal. I find it interesting when doing a little self analysis, if asked about the Journal, my first thoughts are negative. Then I think about the individuals that work at the Journal I have had the opportunity to meet and to one degree or the other get to know. If asked about them individually, my first reaction is positive. Hmmmmm. I wonder why?

With one exception, all of these individuals are friendly, personable, intelligent, and professional. They have a job to do and they try to do it well. So where is the disconnect? I'm not sure I know the answer to this question but maybe, just maybe, more of the personality of the employees should be allowed to filter through the system and be reflected in the way the Journal handles the job it does. Professional but community spirited.

It has been evident the last couple of weeks that the Journal is trying to listen to some of the criticisms from its audience and enhance it's approach to reporting the daily activity in the area. Poor Jenna Nielsen arriving at 7:30 AM for the Eggs and Issues meeting was a sight to behold. I'm not sure she even knew people were awake at that time of day since she frequently is in the office late in the evening getting stories ready for the next day. Seeing Deric Rothe and Bob Richardson having coffee and talking was good too. Maybe the Mike Homes and Deric Rothe chat will be equally energizing for the Journals reading public. Tony Hazarian made the day long journey with some of us while attending the Chamber's planning conference. He asked some pointed questions of the city manager and others, but he also participated in the good humor of some of the rhetoric that went back and forth between many in attendance.

While I have vocally disagreed with some items in the Journal, I believe they have always been professional about what they do. Now, maybe some of them are becoming just a little more a part of the community.