My first news article was published in the Oswego Messenger while I was in college 45 years ago, and I’ve been at it ever since. After writing countless stories for the South Shore Press on pretty much everything under the sun, I now have the honor and pleasure of being named News Director, taking over from Stefan Mychajliw, a true professional whom I’ve learned from even after all these years in the business.
What keeps me going is the people and places I write about. There’s always something happening; someone is always doing something. And if I think the readers would be interested or need to know, I’m going to write it.
As a community newspaper, the South Shore Press keeps tabs on what’s going on. We promote the events and the happenings, and we also follow what’s occurring in government and politics. New York is one of the most expensive places to live in the country, and the people need to know why that is and who’s responsible.
The First Amendment gives the press not only the freedom, but the obligation to hold those in power accountable. It exists so newspapers like ours can ask hard questions, shine light on decisions that affect our lives, and ensure that government at every level remains answerable to the people it serves.
I think back to my first job as a reporter all those years ago and the Monday mornings when I needed to have my stories done and a picture for the front cover. Driving around in a panic to get a worthy photo was always a challenge, but Long Island never let me down. I’m off again—same mission—but you’ll always know what I’m up to in the pages of the South Shore Press.