Local criticism of the press addressed

I feel I need to comment on some statements that have been made during the election. I do not believe it is appropriate for a reporter to offer an opinion on an election he is offering news coverage to so I refrained up to this point.
With the results in I need to address snippy remarks about “the press” or “the media” made by previous members of the city administration either in letters to the editor or elsewhere in the community.
I have brought a different style to the newspapers I have served. I strongly believe a small town reporter should be a community watchdog, and I observe and write in that manner. That means I’m not always everyone’s favorite person, especially in government. That’s okay with me. For far too long small community governments have trampled on the rights of their citizens, or a small group of individuals have perceived collective power. Much of the time the local media is fearful of covering certain issues and people. I am not and never will be.
I want to make this clear, because I think there is a misconception especially among previous city administrators, that I will continue to report in the same fashion regardless of who does or doesn’t sit on the Monte Vista City Council. I will not let any one individual sit me down in a chair and try to tell me what to do or write.
As long as I continue to have the privilege and desire to be Monte Vista’s community reporter I will always look out for every citizen. I will continue to report in detail about how citizens are treated. I will investigate tips regarding issues in district court regarding the city. I will not ignore remarks made to citizens at meetings, and I will continue to give a voice to their complaints. I will keep my eye on state statutes and ensure the council and staff are appropriately following them.
Equally, I will continue to be there to celebrate good news and success. I will continue to be there to celebrates awards and achievements and good Samaritans.
I promise you, anyone who has the wrongful assumption that I won’t is mighty mistaken as I have told them before.

Anthony Guerrero is the Monte Vista Journal reporter