I just turned down an ad so I can continue to give you independent reporting

I just turned down an ad from Arcata City Councilmember Brett Watson so I could continue to bring you independent reporting. It is not money I could afford to turn away. I did not do it because there was any pressure from Watson but I am covering his TRO hearing which is scheduled right before an election. The appearance of an ad from him is inappropriate.

I did it not do this because I believe the City of Arcata over Watson. There is more to the City of Arcata vs Watson brouhaha. 

My readers have told me the City of Arcata handling of the Watson situation and lack of transparency is not helping. I agree.

Is Brett Watson being railroaded by powers in Humboldt County and City of Arcata? Or is he an unstable man who does not respect boundaries and doesn't understand the meaning of no? You need unbiased reporting to get those answers. 

I turned the ad down because my own research about some of Watson's assertions raises concerns;  because I have seen two sides of Watson and the more I hear from Watson, there are more red flags. Unlike other media outlets, your trust in me matters. I don't just take money from anyone.

Whose reporting do you trust? Media outlets who conveniently look the other way and ignore stories about certain advertisers and the Humboldt Connected? Media outlets who before local elections do hit pieces and get bulk of the election of advertising? The same outlets who are funded all year by County, City of Eureka, Cal Poly, Providence and others? How do those outlets cover their advertisers? I have provided many examples before and during this election year, many online commenters of certain outlets have repeated the same observations but in typical Humboldt fashion anonymously. At least, my readers and commenters like me use our real names.

Media outlets hiring sons of people who hold power and dictate livelihoods in a small, rural County?  Humboldt, "reporters" and "freelancers" who are working for attorneys, married to attorneys and reporting on the same entrenched systems and organizations and not disclosing these relationships. Don't take my word for it. Pay attention. Do your research.

What has been your own personal experience with all parties involved, including other media reporting in general? Where are your advertising dollars and donations going? Facebook, Google, local media outlets who have done exactly what to put money back in your pocket? What relevant information do they provide that makes a difference in your life, your livelihood and do they speak up for the average person? 

You, the voters and readers are smart. You deserve quality journalism and content that is worth your time. Don't let anyone take your vote, your support of their business, your readership for granted.