April 26, 2006
Dear Bellingham Citizens:
The Herald introduced me to the Bellingham community with the April 23 article “New Planning Director No Stranger to Controversy.” As I begin my work with you all, I want to make sure you have complete, accurate information about this newspaper article and the issue it highlighted.
The article did a good job describing the kinds of community issues with which I am familiar. I have had great success at increasing community dialogue and bringing people together around difficult issues, and I look forward to doing so in Bellingham.
I am disappointed I was not interviewed for the article. The Herald reporter was given my email address and telephone number in March. I would have provided factual, up-to-date information so he could have offered a balanced perspective. The article as written lacked facts and objectivity, and likely puzzled more than informed Herald readers.
I am also surprised the Herald would find six-year-old issues in another city newsworthy at all, much less on the front page. If by chance you and any other Herald readers found this old issue of interest, more details are posted below. I will be happy to provide further information when I arrive in the states the first week of May.
Meanwhile, I am delighted to be on my way to the City of Bellingham. I look forward to working with neighbors, business owners, city employees, elected officials, the media and other community leaders to address issues that matter in Bellingham today.
Sincerely,
Tim Stewart
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
