Farewell JMC 352 & Happy Blogging

Another semester has passed, and if JMC 352 has taught me anything, it’s how to cover current issues and to not lose my voice as a journalist with a blog.

            This was the first opportunity I got to report on something as crucial as a presidential election and then put it on the internet for the world to read. Having a blog made me excited for the possibility of having a larger audience than just a professor. What I was writing about the election and Greeley city council meetings had the potential of reaching hundreds of curious internet browsers. This is what I enjoyed most about the blog; and the fact that I was able to use my personal voice instead of that of a strict reporter.

            After reporting on such a strenuous topic as the presidential election, and considering that my writing would be on my blog, it helped me learn that facts are crucial, highlighting both sides of every issue is essential and a writer’s audience should always be kept in mind. I also learned that covering an election on a college campus means many opposing viewpoints, but keeping my own opinion out of it all was critical. This ended up being the most difficult part. As students voiced opinions that I disagreed with, I put my reporter face on and still gave them their part in every story.

            For journalism students preparing for this class, my advice would be to not be afraid. It can be intimidating as a student forced to interview prestigious figures like the Mayor. And although phone interviews would suffice, nothing compares to interviewing and getting to know a source face-to-face. Even if his/her opinion differs from your own… suck it up and report.

Last City Council -- lucky enough to hear about the budget

It’s that time of year again for the Greeley City Council. Budget appropriations for the fiscal year of 2013 were discussed tonight and the city will begin making adjustments within the next few weeks to compensate the new and improved budget.

            The council concluded that the budget, like always, will be followed as close as possible in order to keep the city moving forward and away from debt.

            “The challenge for the city is balance,” said councilmember, Donna Sapienza. “We will push programs we want to see that help to create less spending. I appreciate employees’ efforts to propel us forward to better times.”

            One of the main concerns about the 2013 budget, which was voiced by councilmember Mike Finn, is increased salaries and benefits that Greeley employees will receive. Both are planning on increasing to award Greeley’s hard working employees. The slight increase of salaries and adding spending for health insurance and work compensation is predicted to make a small but beneficial change.  

            “The increase is justified by the negotiations between the union and general employees,” Finn said. “To get the city in balance, I agree with these increases.”

            After concerns about salary and benefit increases, the public was invited forward to voice personal concerns. After a couple of reassurances from the council, the budget moved forward to approval. The fact that Greeley’s population is on the rise played a huge factor in the budget. Greeley Finance Director, Lezlie Philp, along with help from city employees, was able to accommodate Greeley’s needs and formulate a financial plan with high hopes of improvement for the community.

             “The budget is definitely a tedious task,” said John Gates, Mayor Pro Tem. “We look forward to looking at the 2014 budget in 6-7 months.”

            Talks of the 2014 budget has council-members laughing now, but let’s just wait and see how the 2013 budget does first – it’s coming faster than we know