BCE Journalist provides the rest of the story

I was a little busy yesterday, so I didn’t get a chance to follow up on the questions I had regarding Precious Holder’s claim that BCE reporter Barrett Newkirk promised to write a story about her situation. It’s unusual for a reporter to make a promise like that before actually following up on it and finding out if indeed there is a story there, and what the story is. Even then, there is no guarantee that it will make it into print. This is why I carefully phrased my posting with words like “reportedly” and “apparently”. I wanted to make sure and give Mr. Newkirk the benefit of the doubt.

Fortunately, he reads my blog and sent me an email that not only answered my questions, but gave me (and a couple of friends of mine) a some epic lulz at the new guy’s expense.

I’ll save the funny part for last. Here is the meat of the email where he provides details of his investigation into her claims.

Obviously, last night was not the first time I’d heard about the sewer issue
at Precious Holder’s Post Addition property. I have had two hour-long
meetings with her and her sister, several phone conversation with Precious,
and initiated several other phone calls with other people trying to collect
more information. At no time did I promise Precious a news story. In fact, I
remain skeptical of her claim for several reasons.

Good to hear it, Barrett. Healthy skepticism is a virtue in a reporter.

Precious’ initial claim was for over $100,000 in damages. This includes the
full replacement cost for a wide range of items, which I understand the city
is not obligated to pay. The amount also far exceeds the entire value of the
home. The city offered the Holders $5,000 in damages. Precious has refused
to accept this offer. She has since reduced her claim to $59,000.

One thing to keep in mind is that the conents of a house can often exceed the value of the structure.  Especially in today’s real estate market.  As it stands now, it appears that the only real option for Ms. Holder is a lawsuit.  This is the usual procedure when two parties cannot agree on the amount of a cash settlement.   There isn’t much the city commission can do in such a case, nor is a mass action likely to help, either.  However, it is her right to do so.

I talked to two other women who have dealt with the city on sewer damage
claims. One women in Chapel Hill received a few thousand dollars last year.
The other woman I spoke with lives in Post Addition. Her issue dates back to
2006 and allegedly involved her neighbors dumping raw sewage onto her
property. She believes the city should he held responsible for this, a
stance I have trouble supporting.

I have trouble supporting that, too.  The neighbors should be responsible for something that can be a serious environmental and health hazard.  Not the city. 

I hope this helps you understand why the Enquirer has not reported on the
Holders claim.

It certainly does.  And it gives me more information to work with, besides a few minutes of rather impassioned public comment.  I’m still concerned about the allegations of racism, because that could be a serious issue in a community where the accusing finger of racism has pointed in many directions, including the police department. 

Now, it’s time for the funny part.  Keep in mind that Mr. Newkirk is new in town and although he’s reading my blog now, he wasn’t here to read it back when I was cheerfully shredding the BCE for it’s lack of accurate crime reporting-along with a number of other police blotter readers.   He’s also rather young and hasn’t developed that thick skin that is a requirement of working for a newspaper in a town where criticizing the conduct, ability, and credibility of reporters and editors alike is a popular sport. 

In the future, when you have questions about my professional conduct,
please don’t hesitate to contact me before writing your blog post.

You see what I mean about a thin skin? He missed my very intentional use of the words “reportedly” and “apparently” and responded rather emotionally to what was not meant as a question about his professional conduct, but a question of their claim that he promised to write a story.  Either that, or he missed the class on that technique in J-school.  Or, he’s been spending too much time with Eric Greene, who responds emotionally to apparent criticism-to the point where he published an editorial that was a classic rant in response to being trolled by mean anonymous Internet users.

Laura Adams