I write this letter to publicly thank the Bitterroot Star and Michael Howell’s investigative reporting. We Bitterroot citizens have clearly reaped the rewards of independent investigative journalism with the recent revelations about the fiasco in the Treasurer’s Office. This is only one in a long and growing list of Ravalli County fiascos that are being accurately and thoroughly reported in the Star. Their reporting is not limited to simply transcribing the words of newsmakers, but involves asking questions, digging up actual facts and reporting a coherent, understandable story.
Gaining access to public information through the not-so-free ‘Freedom of Information Act’ can be quite expensive. Maintaining a credible ability to go to court is, sad to say, a necessary component of corrective action once the truth is known, especially with recalcitrant scofflaw Tea Party operatives running/ruining our County.
I am happy to renew my subscription to the Star even though I can pick one up for free. I encourage everyone to subscribe and financially support our independent newspaper so we can continue to read the rest of the story.
Larry Campbell
Darby