TERRE HAUTE — Today, and for the following two days, Tribune-Star readers are being treated to a remarkable series of editorials and essays produced by the Indianapolis Star. The project represents watchdog, advocacy journalism at its best, and our newspaper is proud to be part of the Star’s statewide effort to reach the citizens and taxpayers affected by the topic.
Reforming the way lobbying is regulated in the state legislature has long been among the Star’s favorite subjects on its editorial pages. But producing an exhaustive and highly compelling series such as this one shows extraordinary commitment to a cause about which the paper’s editorial board feels strongly.
What’s more, by choosing to share its series, “Access to Power,” with 22 other newspapers around the state, the Star has cast aside its competitive instincts in favor of maximum impact. In the not-too-distant past, such collaborative sharing was almost unheard of. A newspaper such as the Star, with its broad reach into virtually every part of the state, would consider such a big series a competitive edge against other news organizations, a potent effort to build readership and paid circulation.
Print journalism is changing. The Star, while still the largest circulation newspaper in Indiana, by far, does not have the reach it once had. Rather than being a statewide newspaper, it is now a strong regional newspaper that serves the most populous area of the state.
Being located in the state capital, however, does carry great responsibility for covering the Statehouse. That’s a big job, one no other news organization is equipped to do. And the Star does it well. Its editors’ decision to reach out and share this particular project will allow greater penetration for its message and increase the chances of triggering positive change in the way government and the legislature do business.
In addition to providing participating newspapers with editorials, columns, essays, and editorial cartoons, the Star’s editorial board encouraged all of the newspapers to generate their own content on the topic of lobbying reform, and to share that content when appropriate with all the others as well.
The Tribune-Star does indeed intend to cover this topic in coming days and weeks. The Star’s series undoubtedly will open many eyes, and it’s likely the interest generated will spark change — or at least heated debate — when the next legislative session is convened in January. Our coverage, in both news and editorial columns, will attempt to keep readers informed of developments and provide impetus for change.
The story being told in this series is an important one. Access to legislative power is skewed in favor of those with money and resources to lobby decision makers. Does it mean the system is corrupt? Not necessarily.
The legislature is populated by many, many elected representatives and senators guided by a strong sense of ethics. But the system invites the potential for corruption, or at the very least creates the appearance that corruption could be at work. That in itself is a strong incentive for reform.
Please take a close look at the list of common-sense reforms proposed in this series. Then study the accompanying reasoning behind these proposals.
This is a very compelling case for reform.
As always, we invite your comments and responses. We will publish as many of those comments as possible.
Tribune-Star editor Max Jones can be reached at max.jones@tribstar.com.
Editor's Note
November 14, 2009
EDITOR'S NOTE: Appearance of corruption a strong incentive for reform
- Editor's Note
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MAX JONES: Local seminar to shed light on access
Transparency in public information is an important principle for the proper functioning of government at all levels. Vigilance is key in ensuring that public records and meetings remain open and accessible to citizens of our communities.
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MAX JONES: Farewell to Stephanie, for a while
The Tribune-Star and its legions of readers throughout the Wabash Valley were extremely fortunate six years ago to welcome back a native daughter.
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MAX JONES: Friends ready for next big step at Pyle historic site
The campaign to preserve the legacy of World War II journalist Ernie Pyle in his hometown of Dana passed a milestone last week. Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission voted to end the state’s involvement in the Pyle historic site and turn it over to the Friends of Ernie Pyle organization.
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MAX JONES: Vigo GOP shows its gains are for real
For the better part of two decades, the Republican Party in Vigo County rarely mounted more than a feeble challenge to the entrenched Democratic Party establishment.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Week ahead bringing changes to your newspaper
Your Tribune-Star is undergoing some changes this week, and today’s edition reveals a few of those.
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Editor's Note: A holiday tribute to "Hoosier," and all veterans
My late father, Joseph L. Jones, was a veteran of World War II, a 4th Division Marine whose service sent him to the South Pacific and into combat on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.
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MAX JONES: Resuming partnership for political information
Primary elections don’t always stir a lot of interest among voters. In fact, turnout at the polls is traditionally low for primaries, although there have been exceptions. This year may be one of those.
- MAX JONES: Christmas miracles can still happen You don’t have to wander far to find people who remember vividly when downtown Terre Haute was the place to be during the Christmas
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TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORIAL: A day to give thanks and help
Help only becomes a reality when it is given. Today, it’s something needed by many throughout this community and state.
- EDITOR'S NOTE: Appearance of corruption a strong incentive for reform Today, and for the following two days, Tribune-Star readers are being treated to a remarkable series of editorials and essays produced by the Indianapolis Star.
- Editor's Note: Team effort tells stories of Hoosier travel spots When times are tough economically, people get very careful with their hard-earned money. When it comes to spending, it’s a common practice to give special consideration to summer vacations or other leisure trips.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Spelling Bee a great Tribune-Star tradition
Of all the great community-based events this newspaper sponsors and helps sponsor throughout the year, the Tribune-Star Wabash Valley Spelling Bee is one of the most important. It’s extra special because it gives the best and brightest young students in our nine-county area the opportunity to compete for big prizes in a popular and widely recognized annual academic competition.
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Editor's Note: Letters continue to be popular with readers
Survey after survey of newspaper readers tell us that letters to the editor are among the most read and most enjoyed content we offer. While obituaries routinely top the list of most-read items, letters are always near the top.
- Editor's Note: Victory Days — great time to learn history and share memories The number of American military veterans who served their country during World War II are dwindling rapidly. To those remaining, we can’t pay enough tribute. They belong to a generation of men and women who made this nation — and the world — a better and safer place to live.
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Max Jones: Community takes center stage again for fall campaign
Even the most hardened cynic has to admit that Terre Haute is living a charmed life this election year. For the fifth time since spring, the community will be visited by a major political figure in the 2008 presidential sweepstakes. The event will occur later today when Democratic Party nominee Sen. Barack Obama makes a 12:30 p.m. campaign stop at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds.
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MAX JONES: Voters anxious to get news about candidates
Labor Day historically marks the beginning of the fall season for political campaigning. That has been true most years in which elections are conducted. This year, however, such a designation may be greeted will little more than a chuckle.
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MAX JONES: Voters will be big winners in fall gubernatorial debates
Twice in September and once in October, Indiana voters will have an opportunity to participate in and witness, in person or via electronic media, debates among the state’s three candidates for governor.
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Tribune-Star editorial: A day to be grateful for community kindness
Obviously, it’s been a long, trying week for most folks in the Wabash Valley.
Today offers at least a moment for the community to reflect on its survival of the flood of 2008. - Editor's Note: Covering the flood shifts to recovery As natural disasters go, flooding can have a long and nasty legacy. Even when the waters have receded and raging creeks and rivers are passive once again within their banks, hidden dangers — and damages — persist.
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Tribune-Star editorial: And another thing...
And now for something completely different … good news!!
That’s right, amid the misery of local flooding aftermath, an announcement from Tokyo early Thursday allows us to take a brief break and ponder better days ahead for our community and its economy. -
Tribune-Star editorial: Rain down some kindness
Since Saturday, when flash flooding became more than the usual National Weather Service warning for much of Indiana and Illinois, we’ve all heard and seen inspirational stories.
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EDITOR'S NOTE Sounding the bell for those who hear different drummer
Are there any bagpipers out there? If so, please take a deep breath and step forward.
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Max Jones: Evolving with an industry — and with our readers
Newspapers, it is said, are living, breathing organisms that reflect the times in which they exist and the values of the communities they serve. In order to meet the changing needs and wants of their wide and diverse audience of readers, newspapers must evolve right along with them.
- Editor's Note: Teaming up to help readers understand Indiana’s tax issues Being part of a national newspaper ownership group has its benefits.
- Editor's Note: Tribune-Star staffers compete well for state honors Hoosier State Press Association awards for 2007 were announced last weekend at a banquet in Indianapolis, and I am proud to report that the Tribune-Star once again did well. We brought home seven awards in all, three of them for first place.
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Editor's Note: ’07 election letters reflected intensity
Our readers love to write letters, and election politics is one of their favorite subjects. The recent epic mayoral tussle produced a virtual flood of submissions. Emotions ran high in many of the narratives.
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Editor's Note: As election nears, the spotlight gets hotter
The degree of interest in any election among potential voters — who also happen to be all newspapers’ avid and loyal readers — is always most intense the last two weeks of a political campaign. That’s why we target the majority of our pre-election coverage to the final 10 days or so before voters go to the polls.
- Debate format allowed candidates to shine The Tribune-Star has been teaming up with the League of Women Voters of Vigo County and other local organizations to sponsor candidate forums and debates for years. It’s a worthwhile service to provide newspaper readers, who research shows also happen to be among the most likely voters any time there is an election.
- Editor's Note: More and better police news? It could happen Can the Tribune-Star help residents of 12 Points and surrounding areas get a better handle on crime in their neighborhoods? Those who attended a public meeting Monday night at the Maple Avenue United Methodist Church sure think so.
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After summer’s lull, let the campaign begin
Labor Day marks the traditional kickoff to the political season. Campaigns for various offices and seats on the ballot in this year’s municipal election have been on a low boil since the May primaries.
- More Editor's Note Headlines
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NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Dragon Arrives at Space Station in Historic 1st
Police: Gunman Has Hostages in Realty Office
Passenger Restrained on Flight to Miami Arrested
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Beer Here!: An Historic Exhibit
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: SpaceX Capsule's Docking Delayed
Vegas Grocer Deported to Face War Crimes Charges
Raw Video: Wildfire Burns 110 Square Miles
Raw Video: Toddler Trapped in Washing Machine
Sudden Storm Topples Wisconsin Trees
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
80-Year-Old Skydiver's Nightmare Jump
Pope's Personal Butler Under Arrest
Hurricanes and Heat Waves Across America
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Victim Hits Milestone
Cruise ship crunch
Tyler's Classic Coleslaw
Sliders on the Grill
Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad
Kristen Stewart Is Red Hot
Shark Attacks Australian Fishing Boat
Bradley out for playoffs
Kayaker Survives Trip Over Washington Waterfall
Alison Brie Likes To Jog Naked
Heidi Klum Goes Sheer
Alton's Best Burger Ever
Ellie Kemper's Stripper Surprise on 'Ellen'
Maddie the Balancing Dog On Cross-Country Trip
Crawford's Sexy Leather Look
Boys eyes 'removed with spoon'
