Finally a Carrboro Board of Aldermen meeting gets wide coverage and, we’re sorry to say, we’re the cause of it all.
There’s been a good deal of tut-tutting about The Citizen’s successful application to the town’s revolving loan program.
There’s an implication that because we qualified and got a small business loan we are somehow tainted, on the dole, in cahoots or worse.
Don’t you believe it.
In 2007, we saw an opportunity to start a newspaper because Carrboro was being covered less and less. Now, in 2009, we are seeing demand for our paper in Chapel Hill, North Chatham and Hillsborough on the rise for the same reason.
In difficult economic times and in a tight credit market, we opted to work with a town-sponsored program that has been successful in helping dozens of other small businesses. The money came with no strings and no winks and the loan, taxpayers, is 100 percent-plus secured.
We’re sorry about the distraction and now intend to get on with reporting on town budgets, county solid waste policy, mental health needs and 20 or 30 other things.
The goal here is a solid community newspaper. Nothing more. And, certainly, nothing less.
The paper is great. I am disappointed (as are many other newspapers based on what I read) that the source of the loan is the Town.
Sometimes the appearance of conflict of interest is just as bad as an actual conflict.
Your job is to prove me wrong by reporting honestly on the Town’s activities, good and bad. Good luck.
Folks here in Carrboro know your integrity won’t be compromised. Obviously, we love the paper and wish it nothing but continued success. I for one can’t think of a better business to back.