City manager claims errors in reporting

FERRIS – During a meeting with Ferris Mayor Jim Swafford, City Manager Bill Jordan and The Ellis County Press Publisher Charles D. Hatfield, Jr., last Friday, several issues were discussed.

One – is the city wants to move forward in a co-operative effort with The Ellis County Press to have a positive impact on development.

Hatfield agreed to meet with the city officials to clear any misunderstandings. He also agreed to meet weekly with the city manager for a briefing on city activities, and agreed to let Jordan respond to an earlier story he had issues with.

“In reporting, journalists attribute statements directly to the source,” said Hatfield. “We also do fact-checking through a second source if possible,

“The allegations of intercepting internal emails and recording conversations came from three former city employees.”

To be fair, here is Jordan’s response:

“There were some errors in recent ECP articles regarding devices that record video, audio or intercept digital communications within city hall, and an attempt to have you (Hatfield) removed,

“Additionally, there was an error regarding advice of City Attorney Michael Halla to Alderman Sherie Chapman,

“Your articles on Jan. 31 and Feb. 7 had mentioned I was intercepting emails through the City’s WiFi, and secretly recording persons within city hall,

“At no time have I, nor has the city as an organization, nor am I aware of any instance of installed clandestine recording devices, video or audio, within city hall or any other city facility, nor any device, program, or other method of obtaining any email, data, or other communication through the City’s WiFi,

“The city does utilize security cameras as you would see at any commercial operation,

“These cameras are for security surveillance only and do not record audio,

“As you are aware, Scott Jones has rescinded his statements regarding this alleged activity, and Doug Childers has issued a letter to the council affirming the security of our network,

“Your Feb. 7 article stated that I made an attempt to have you removed from the boards on which you serve, and that Alderman Chapman had recused herself at the advice of City Attorney Michael Halla,

“I cannot as a City Manager remove anyone from a board. You were placed on the agenda based on your Jan. 28 email request to have the complaint heard in a public meeting,

“The verbiage of the agenda item did seem ‘aggressive’ – however this was the legal recommended verbiage for hearing a complaint,

“There was a discussion between Alderman Chapman and Mr. Halla about recusal during the meeting,

“Mr. Halla was clear in that Mrs. Chapman did not need to recuse herself – if less than 10-percent of her household income was earned from the Ellis County Press. This exchange is included in the meeting audio,

“I respectfully request that the Ellis County Press make the above corrections in the next edition of the paper,” concluded Jordan.

Hatfield responded, “The Ellis County Press strives to be accurate in all it’s reporting, but sometimes mistakes are made.

“Our policy is to correct any errors or inaccurate statements,” said Hatfield.