On Wednesday, Commissioner Leonard wrote an email to Oregonian Editor Peter Bhatia to express his dismay at a news story by Oregonian writer Brad Schmidt that extracted 3 words from a long statement by Commissioner Leonard and used them out of context. In the article, Schmidt falsely and purposely suggests to readers that Commissioner Leonard and the City accepted the cost overruns of the City's new payroll and finance system lightly, and that Commissioner Leonard called the City's management of the project "perfect."
Fortunately, Oregonian Editor Peter Bhatia agrees with Commissioner Leonard, as evidenced by the subsequent exchange, which is posted below:
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From: Leonard, Randy
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 11:53 PM
To: Peter Bhatia
Cc: Therese Bottomly; Michelle Brence; Susan Gage; JoLene Krawczak; Brad Schmidt; Comm Leonard All; Adams, Sam; Saltzman, Dan; Fritz, Amanda; Fish, Nick; City Elected Officials Exec's
Subject: RE: Brad Schmidt's November 9 article on City finance and payroll system
Peter-
Thank you for writing that "the important issue here" is quoting me accurately. I am frankly surprised that you agreed with me and did so in writing.
I also appreciate you writing that Brad was not "aggressively" living up to the minimum standards that most of the community expects from Oregonian reporters. That too was an unexpected candid response from you.
Thanks for getting back to me....Randy
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From: Peter Bhatia
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 7:10 PM
To: Leonard, Randy
Cc: Therese Bottomly; Michelle Brence; Susan Gage; JoLene Krawczak; Brad Schmidt
Subject: Re: Brad Schmidt's November 9 article on City finance and payroll system
Commissioner Leonard:
Thanks for your e-mail. As you know, the story is about a $47.4 million project that has more than tripled from its original $14.2 million estimated cost, as reported by the City Auditor. I think you would agree that's the important issue here.
You wrote that Brad's article quotes you as saying cost overruns "just happen." In fact, the article states that you suggested such increases unfortunately "just happen."
You wrote that his article stated your reaction to Ken Rust's management of the project was "perfect." The article states that you called the response from Ken Rust, who essentially fired the contracting company, "perfect."
Brad quoted you accurately and in context. You can be sure he will continue to report the story aggressively, fairly and in great detail for our readers, and you will have ample opportunity to talk with him and to our readers on this important issue.
Thanks again.
Peter