Civic Center & Skate Park Major Topics In Web Group

IRONWOOD, MI - Friday, May 16, 2008 - "... I get the impression the writer (of post #13616) is more concerned about the (Civic Center)millage passing than the skateboard park itself. Moving the skateboard park to the Civic Center could be a money maker by charging admission and having a concession." an anonymous author wrote on the regularly maligned and often misunderstood About_Ironwood website.

The writer continued, "The City could take all monies allotted for the downtown skateboard park development and invest them in the Civic Center skateboard park. There two items alone could and should make a millage unnecessary. Either way I will be voting against a MILLAGE/TAX for the Civic Center. It must become self-sufficient. It has been a drain on the tax payers of Ironwood for far too long."

Two relatively hot topics discussed on the newly revitalized site have been the skate park and the Civic Center. Heated debates have taken place with a wide variety of opinions being expressed. Some wish to support the Civic Center, but don't support the skate park. Some don't wish their tax dollars to support either project. No matter how you feel about either project, healthy debate is the only thing that leads to positive change.

"During the most recent City Commission election the site was a subject of scorn and ridicule." site founder Jim Albert said, "Web discussion groups are designed to be a forum to allow people to voice their opinions. That's the service we tried to provide. I felt there was no place where people could go to openly discuss local politics or events. The Globe won't print a letter to the editor if they don't agree with the views you express! They won't print an unsigned letter either!"

"There are a host of reasons people choose to post anonymously -- differences of opinion can affect your livelihood; your job; your business; your family; and your friends. People tend to make wrong assumptions too! Just because something is posted on 'Jim Albert's website' doesn't mean Jim Albert agrees with it! Throughout the election I was accused of saying things that I never said. They were posted on the website! The Globe tried to make the site into some kind of evil, sinister entity that was going to be the downfall of the Gogebic Range!"

"A lot of good ideas were developed on the About_Ironwood website. I believe the site prompted many people to go to City meetings and to take an active role in City government. I don't think as many people would have run for the Commission if it wasn't for the site!"

Albert told the Chronicle, "The About_Ironwood was unfairly labeled as a bunch rabble-rousing naysayers that were out to destroy the City. In retrospect, I think the site has lead to more positive changes in the City than any other effort. The City Commission has a new complexion. People aren't feeling shut out like they once were. Robert's Rules of Order have been somewhat relaxed at City meetings. People are invited to express their opinions. The Commissioners tend to be more 'independent' than they once were. The vote doesn't always go 5-0. Today's meetings tend to be more discussion; more debate; more compromise; and more progressive.'

About_Ironwood has been widely criticized for not being properly moderated. Albert addressed that criticism with a very straightforward answer.

"Hey, it's 'Free Speech!' There's a sacrifice we all need to make as Americans. As long as we want to have the right to say anything we feel we need to say, we have to extend that right to everybody. About_Ironwood was not -- and once again is not -- heavily moderated. The first few posts by a new member will be moderated. Once they have proven to be responsible members, they become unmoderated. Did I agree with everything I read on the site? Certainly not! Do I approve of everything people post! Absolutely no! However, I will fight to the end to defend their right to express themselves. The only way a good discussion group can exist is to keep it open and unmoderated."

"We have an opinion group attached to the Chronicle," Albert said, "It's not going over because our rules are too restrictive! Is it irresponsible for me not to moderate every post made to About_Ironwood? Not by a long-shot! The newly re-launched site will not be restricted. This area has had way too much restriction in the media for far too long. We don't need the Globe's twisted spin on everything we read. They've been abusing their power and it just isn't healthy for a community to be tyrannized by their local newspaper. Steve Frank and I started the Chronicle to give people a chance to read the facts, the truth... and to be honest with you our presence is making the Globe a better paper."

According to Albert, anybody can read the posts on About_Ironwood, but you need to become a member to post a message. New members will be moderated until they demonstrate that they are responsible.

"If somebody goes off the deep end and starts ranting and raving to the point that it is destroying the group conversation, we will ban members if need be," Albert said, "However, I am a believer in the United States of America and a supporter of the Bill of Rights. I don't think it is my place to decide what opinions people have or how they express them! I believe that most dialog is healthy and much of it will lead to solutions to problems. The major difference you are seeing in City government right now is result of open dialog. When people are ridiculed and chastised for expressing their opinions – it's a very unhealthy situation. No one person has all the answers. The more people share their ideas the better the end results."

To participate in the About_Ironwood debate, [CLICK HERE].

Alan Traczyk

EDITOR'S NOTE: Alan Traczyk will be a Junior at the Luther L. Wright High School next fall. Hopefully, he will be contributing more stories to the Chronicle throughout the summer.