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Editorial View of town from the outside looking in is unfair

When the telephone rings, you don't have to answer it. When someone knocks on the front door, you don't have to answer it. When you receive unsolicited e-mail, you are not required to answer it. The option to delete unwanted contacts is yours.

During the past several months, our community has become somewhat of an amusement to northern Arizona. A larger newspaper has chosen to scrutinize Williams. Even if there is not much fodder to work with, a reporter seems to have the talent of filling in the blanks and creating his own story.

How one can sleep at night while examining a community 30 miles away under a magnifying glass is beyond us. However, it would not surprise us if this reporter has been instructed by his superiors to muddy Williams' waters. The larger paper has been against anything to do with Williams from day one. That paper has made negative statements in reference to drilling wells in the Williams area ‹ while Flagstaff has utilized well water for the last 50 years. That paper is against the proposed theme park and has made disparaging remarks against Williams for wanting such a development. A Flagstaff business has even attempted to take away Williams' registered trademark ‹ "The Gateway to the Grand Canyon®." The newspaper has painted an unflattering picture of our Williams Volunteer Fire Department.

Also note how this larger paper doesn't report on anything positive in Williams, such as the Arizona State HOG Rally that was here last weekend. The HOG Rally is a major statewide event. The Williams Volunteer Fire Department puts on one of the best fireworks displays in the state year after year. Yet, the larger newspaper doesn't make space for this type of news even though many Flagstaff residents come here to enjoy the show.

There is a good reason you have not seen similar stories in the Williams-Grand Canyon News. Yes, a police chief has resigned and walked away with a settlement at a cost to us ‹ the taxpayers. Yes, that same former police chief has contacted the Department of Public Safety in reference to alleged wrongdoings of two of our city council members. Yes, a Williams resident is attempting to recall those two city council members along with our mayor. Should enough of you answer the door and sign the recall petitions, an expensive recall election will be the end result.

What you will read in the News is the final outcome of the DPS investigation along with a story in reference to the possible recall of two council members and our mayor. You will read the facts once the investigation is complete.

Remember what you have read in the Williams-Grand Canyon News in the past. Williams is fortunate to have a city council that is proactive. When there was very little water available from surface lakes, the city council aggressively pursued the drilling of wells. Drilling wells was a huge gamble ‹ we may not have hit water after spending millions of dollars. Today we have a viable water supply. Without water, our community could not grow. Our community is growing because of a pro-growth Williams City Council.

No, a "good old boy" network does not run this city. Instead of focusing on "good old boy" syndrome, step inside this community and you will be a welcome part of a close-knit community. Don't remain on the outside looking in. Become involved. Become proactive.

Selective delete is an option that should be exercised freely. When this larger newspaper from 30 miles away lands on your doorstep do not open it. Consider cancelling your subscription to that paper until fair reporting occurs. Read the articles with the knowledge that they are meant to tear down our community and not help build a stronger town. The next time you want your photo taken because you've done a good deed, try calling that publication for coverage rather than us. You most likely will receive nothing. Be true to yourself and Williams.


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