An ongoing situation has recently raised eyebrows and sparked concerns about transparency and accountability. The City of Fostoria has opted to assign certain city duties to Scanner Media, a news organization, rather than appointing an elected public relations officer. This decision has left some residents questioning the implications for fair representation and the potential conflicts of interest inherent in such an arrangement.
Background
Scanner Media, run by Zach, is a local news organization with a significant following—boasting 30,000 Facebook followers and 11,000 YouTube subscribers. Zach has been performing duties typically associated with a city public relations officer, despite there being no official documentation outlining his role or responsibilities.
The Concerns
Several concerns have been raised regarding this unconventional partnership:
- Lack of Official Duties: There are no clear, official, or written duties for Zach, making it difficult to understand the scope and limitations of his role.
- Media Influence: Scanner Media/Zach’s presence and control over both his own platform and the City’s YouTube account could lead to biased representation and favoritism.
- Special Treatment: Zach receives special treatment during city meetings, including preferred camera angles, which other reporters do not receive.
- Election Interference: During the last mayoral election, Zach chose not to interview mayoral candidate Shaffer, while favoring Don Mennel raising questions about impartiality and fairness. (Video). Zach told Shaffer he would interview him at the local coffee house after his meet and great session. At the last minute Zach/Scanner Media chose to ditch Shaffer to video tape a local food drive.
The Inquiry and City’s Response
A formal inquiry was submitted to the city, seeking answers to these concerns and requesting transparency regarding the partnership. Specifically, the inquiry sought to know the date Zach began his duties for the city, given the potential for civil rights violations during the election season if he was acting on behalf of the city.
The city’s response was brief and non-committal:
“Thank you for sharing your concerns. The City administration and Council will continue to act in the best interests of the citizens of Fostoria in an ethical and legal manner.” – Stephanie Kiser, Law Director/Prosecutor
Transparency and Accountability Issues
The city’s refusal to provide detailed information about the partnership with Scanner Media hampers transparency and accountability. Without official guidelines and clear delineation of duties, it is impossible for the public to ascertain the nature of the relationship and hold the city accountable for any potential conflicts of interest.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
The partnership with Scanner Media presents several potential conflicts of interest:
- Influence on Public Perception: Zach’s dual role as a city representative and media figure could lead to biased reporting that favors the city administration.
- Unfair Advantages: The special treatment Zach receives at city meetings undermines the principle of equal access for all media representatives.
- Election Fairness: Zach’s selective coverage during the election raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential for biased influence.
The Need for Official Guidelines
To address these concerns, the city needs to establish official guidelines outlining the duties, responsibilities, and access privileges for individuals performing public duties. This will ensure transparency and provide a framework for accountability, reducing the risk of conflicts of interest and promoting fair representation.
Conclusion
The City of Fostoria’s decision to assign city duties to Scanner Media over appointing an elected public relations officer raises significant concerns about transparency, accountability, and potential conflicts of interest. By failing to provide clear information or establish official guidelines, the city undermines public trust and fairness. It is imperative that the administration addresses these issues to ensure ethical conduct and maintain the integrity of local government operations.