If Steve Skutnik is on GSB, why is he writing a column for the Daily? That is a clear conflict of interest.

In order to avoid impropriety, conflict of interest and the appearance of each, no one can be on GSB and write a column. This isn’t just a rule to be skirted; it’s common sense. It’s like the Register giving Tom Harkin a column.

You knew about this and let it slide? What was your justification? Were you even aware it WAS a conflict? What is the point of having rules if you don’t follow them?

There would be no need to waste an entire paragraph in an editorial explaining how it doesn’t matter that Skutnik is on GSB because you would say the same thing about anybody else even if they didn’t write for the Daily if he just didn’t write for the Daily to begin with.

What Skutnik and you do and do not write about because he is on GSB are all in question. If he chooses to never write about GSB issues, that is as bad as if he used his column specifically to push his agenda or punish those who displeased him. If people think there is the slightest chance they might end up as column fodder it affects events, and not affecting effects is like the prime directive for journalists.

Even if Skutnik’s spot on GSB did not put you in an awkward position, which it clearly does, there is still the appearance of impropriety you could have avoided and just chose not to.

Don’t accuse GSB of being unprofessional when you are doing stuff like this.

Greg Jerrett

Alumnus

Council Bluffs