urbanangel: i responded two posts below yours. here it is again:

urbanangel: I didn't respond to ShureleeUJest for a couple of reasons. I typically avoid snide or sarcastic posts. Also, his post assumes too many things, such as there are 187 reports that the district attorney’s office shorted us, that the so-called missing reports contain “nasty” rejections and that we haven’t already requested the police department’s version of the records. I hope this answers your question. Thanks, Gabe

If blatantly derogatory reports exist, we haven't seen them -- from any office.

Remember, though, our request was for case declines from January to June 2007 -- the period leading up to the stories we first published about the rift. We first reported midway through last year about the rift. So, we wanted to take a look at the cases that led law enforcement to claim that many were often unprofessional and declined unjustifiably. Those would be the cases law enforcement based their criticisms upon, and thus, those were the reports we requested at the time.

Thanks,

Gabe

EXCELLENT job Gabe and The Advocate.  Your paper has become much better over the years. Keep up the good work.  Some people just hate the truth. 

Also thanks for answering many of the questions people had, and being able to separate the  snarky, accusatory comments from the serious ones.

I agree, Gabe, i would love for someone to address Shurlee's comment.

Gabe,  I'm thinking that Ratcliff must have somebody poppa oscared at him.  You remember that he was widely suspected in a woman's murder.  He didn't do it -- we got a confession from the real killer in that case.  Now, a junkie who apparently spends a lot of time in jail has accused the former sheriff of molesting him and the DA got an indictment in the case.  Since that indictment came down, the district attorney has spent considerable time and tax money going after the law enforcement and political leadership of Victoria. 

If I was the attorney for Ratcliff, I wouldn't allow him to talk to the press either.  It would be stupid for him to play out his case in the newspaper before the trial.  By printing the interview with the guy who was looking for a better deal in jail, I fear you have poisened the atmosphere here to the extent that Ratcliff cannot find an impartial jury.  Certainly I couldn't serve because in a case of he said/the other said, I would find it hard to believe anything a junkie would have to say against a man who had served as sheriff.

Great question, thewaywardwind. I'll try to answer this concisely.

Yes, the story in which the alleged victim was interviewed was one-sided. It was all about the alleged victim and his thoughts. That one story is not balanced, no doubt.

During that time (or before it, I forget), we also asked George Filley III if we could similarly interview Mr. Ratcliff. Filley, the defense attorney, declined, as most do.

Shortly before the alleged victim's story published, we published a story in which former coworkers, employees and friends of Mr. Ratcliff talked about what they think are the former sheriff's redeeming qualities. This, too, might also be considered a one-sided story.

In addition, we later published a story in which the alleged victim, we learned, was in jail.

While it's difficult sometimes to sculpt one story that is balanced from all sides -- it's difficult to do so when the opposing side won't comment, for example -- I hope the overall coverage is balanced.

But, again, great question. If I haven't fully answered it, just post another question.

Thanks,

Gabe

"We strive to offer balanced coverage and to do so with transparency."

Where was that offer when the Advocate printed the one-sided and self-serving interview with the punk who was the supposed victim of Ratcliff shortly after the former sheriff's indictment was announced? If that was what you and your bosses consider balanced I'm glad you aren't a butcher because I'm afraid  you'd have your thumbs on the scales. 

Gabe?

You gonna respond to Shurlee? you responded to everyone else?

texasbeckylou35: I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Would you be willing to talk more with us? Leslie Wilber, our police reporter, is very easy-going and easy to talk to. If you'd like to talk more, you can mention so in here or reach Leslie at lwilber@vicad.com. Thank you for taking time to offer your thoughts.

darlins64: I appreciate your kind words, especially knowing now that you had to write them twice. That is frustrating and I can relate. About a month ago, I wrote a story for the newspaper and it magically disappeared and I had to re-write it. Not fun.

Gabe,

I had the unfortunate experience of having worked under Bruce Ure.  I don't need any indictments to tell me that he is corrupt. The City of Victoria would have been well served to do some checking on this guy before hiring him.  Has anyone checked around in his past employment and seen the mess he left behind?  I don't blame anyone there that is in support of Bruce Ure, for they know not what they do.  He is an excellent B.S. artist and is very convincing when he wants something.  It was easy for me to fall prey to thinking he was a good guy too.  His followers will realize soon enough exactly the caliber person he is and they will more than thank Tyler for doing his job.  I completely respect a DA that is not on board with prosecutorial misconduct of any kind and would rather face some public scrutiny than waste tax payers time and money by keeping junk cases tied up in the courts.  It's about time someone, somewhere held police departments accountable for their actions.  Mr. Tyler has my utmost respect and admiration.  As far as Bruce Ure, I knew this day would come for him.  I am just sorry that he had to bring negative attention to what I am sure is otherwise a nice city to live in.

I had a lengthy and wonderful comment, but somehow, when I tried to post it, it went *poof*! 

The gist of the comment was this:  Gabe, you are a hell of a reporter and I have enjoyed reading all of your stories!  I am looking forward to many more to come. 

As to the indictments and arrests this week:  This has gotten out of control!  I believe that a higher authority needs to come in and investigate the entire situation! 

I do not believe that Mr. Ratcliffe, Chief Ure and the others can receive a fair and unbiased hearing in Victoria.  Nor do I believe the victim will receive justice.  There have been too much speculation, character assassination, innuendo and rumor for this to proceed in a fair and impartial way. 

I believe that the Advocate has changed for the better, regardless of the fact that some of the long-time readers object to the changes.

Gabe, you and your peers are doing a wonderful job!  Keep up the good work and keep rattling the cages!

Good question, digalitldper. I imagine our coverage will not culminate with just one report, but rather with numerous reports. It'll be a team effort.