It’s about trust. Our relationship with our readers is built on transparency, honesty and integrity. As such, we have launched a trust initiative to tell you who we are and how and why we do what we do. This column is part of that project.
When voters in Muskoka's municipalities went to the polls last week, you voted both in support of the known and for change.
In the hours and days after the ballots were cast, when you wanted to know the results and what they meant, you came to MuskokaRegion.com. Our post-election coverage was read more than 24,000 times.
We were proud to be there for the voters of Muskoka through the night and into the early hours as we analyzed the results.
And now the work of covering your mayors, councillors and trustees - their decisions, their process and their work in the service of this community begins.
With this restart of those six councils, district and the school board, we welcome the opportunity to develop relationships with new members of councils and reinforce the relationships we have with those returning.
Generally speaking, we celebrate the commitment local politicians have to their communities and to transparency. Most understand that the historic newspaper flags - Huntsville Forester, Bracebridge Examiner and Gravenhurst Banner, and their combined website, MuskokaRegion.com, are where constituents go for the information that helps them make sense of their world.
Really, we strive to connect municipal governments with the people they serve.
When council meetings are available online and recorded for later rewatching, when we have full access to politicians and staff, and when information is available promptly, we are able to do a better job of making those connections. All of these elements also serve accuracy in reporting, and it's a win for everyone. Certainly, it's a win for the taxpayer.
It's a brand new day. How each member of each council chooses to serve will be noticed by readers.
For our part we promise to inform and educate, and to advocate for our readers, to the best of our ability and we thank Muskoka's councils in advance for committing to transparency, and the free flow of information to their constituents.
And to the readers we serve: We are here for you. If you seek clarity, or have an issue with your municipality that needs greater scrutiny, please reach out.
Pamela Steel is managing editor of the Huntsville Forester, Bracebridge Examiner, Gravenhurst Banner and MuskokaRegion.com. Reach her at psteel@metroland.com.
We welcome your questions and value your comments. Email our trust committee at trust@metroland.com.
