EDITORIALS

The Post endorses Debbie Phillips for Ohio House of Representatives

Oct. 31, 2014

State Representative: Debbie Phillips (D) Bipartisan Karaoke Night. That’s the phrase that grabbed our attention during our endorsement interview with Phillips earlier this week. That is in jest, of course, as Phillips brings more to the table than song and dance after three terms of representing Ohio’s 94th House District.Phillips, an Albany resident who previously served as an Athens City Councilwoman, currently serves as the Ohio General Assembly’s Assistant Minority Leader. She has a record of pushing for programs concerning access to education. Furthermore, she has been a regular presence at Ohio University, refers to Baker University Center as “Baker” like the rest of us and is an accessible resource for students.From our perspective, Phillips is the obvious alternative to challenger Yolan Dennis. When asked, Dennis could not produce exact examples of the issues facing students here at OU. Although Dennis has organized an impressive local following, we think Phillips would be the better representative of student interest at the Statehouse.The Post also endorsed Phillips in 2012, and we believe she has since been a good representative of Southeast Ohio.Endorsements represent the majority opinion of The Post's executive editors.

---

The Post endorses Jill Thompson for County Auditor

Oct. 31, 2014

County Auditor: Jill Thompson (R)We think Jill Thompson is the best option for county auditor, given her 14 years of experience in the position and her ability to be aggressive and confident when holding county officials responsible for their uses of taxpayer money.Thompson has a firm knowledge of the county’s expenditure accounts, which allows her to patrol them correctly. Once Thompson was made aware of Sheriff Pat Kelly’s alleged misuse of funds, she asked for an audit of his expenses. It showed her willingness to respond to residents’ complaints of county officials and follow up with an audit when it was required.Her background in finance also lets us say with confidence that she’ll catch the county’s math “errors” and navigate the county’s finances to make sure officials’ expenses match their checkbooks.Thompson is (and has been) the financial watchdog we need for the county.Endorsements represent the majority opinion of The Post's executive editors.

---

---

From The Editor's Desk: Endorsements help inform students about candidates

By JIM RYAN | Oct. 31, 2014

On the day of last spring’s Student Senate elections, I had a conversation with a classmate who said she cast her ballot based on The Post’s endorsements.I can’t quote her directly some six months later, but I remember her saying something to this effect: “I don’t know enough about the elections to know who I should vote for, but I trust that The Post has done its research.”The best part: My classmate didn’t know I’m a Postie.After skipping out on general election endorsements last year, we have decided to bring them back for this year’s midterm. Our goal is to inform students (our primary audience) about which candidates have our best interests in mind.We’re publishing them today, four days ahead of Election Day, so students can read up and do their own research before casting their ballots. At the very least, these endorsements serve as yet another reminder that students should read up and get ready to vote. Our votes are important. I would also like to thank the candidates who took the time to stop by our offices or contact our executive editors over the phone. Their cooperation was integral in putting this endorsement package together, and we’re glad we were able to speak with so many of the candidates on this year’s ballot (They also made time for us on a tight time schedule, which we greatly appreciate).These endorsements exemplify The Post’s fundamental mission of informing our readers about the world around them. I hope they’re helpful as you all prepare to head to the polls.As always, thanks for reading.Jim Ryan is a senior studying journalism and political science and editor-in-chief of The Post. Glad to read our election endorsements? Think we got it all wrong? Contact him at jr992810@ohio.edu or on Twitter at @Jimryan015.

---

The Post endorses Steve Stivers for Congress

Oct. 31, 2014

U.S. Representative: Steve Stivers (R)Steve Stivers has demonstrated an ability to work across the aisle with House Democrats and has proven to be easily accessible throughout his years in the House of Representatives — even to a college newspaper on the outskirts of his roughly 5,000-square-mile congressional district.GovTrack.us, a website dedicated to providing in-depth information about Congress, lists Stivers in the top 5 percent of all congressmen in terms of writing bipartisan bills, as 75 percent of the bills he wrote in 2013 had a co-sponsor from both parties.The website also lists Stivers as one of the most productive members of Congress, having co-sponsored 278 bills — the fourth-highest total among House Republicans.Scott Wharton, Stivers’ challenger and a Democrat who is also a Delta Airlines pilot, provides interesting competition. He is prioritizing keeping the costs of higher education low and seems to be easily accessible, much like Stivers.However, in this case, we prefer to go with what we know rather than what could be. Stivers has done nothing to lose the confidence of his constituents, and as one of the most productive members of Congress, he deserves to be elected to another two-year term.Endorsements represent the majority opinion of The Post's executive editors.

---

The Post endorses George McCarthy for Common Pleas Court Judge

Oct. 31, 2014

Common Pleas Court Judge: George McCarthyWhen Judge George McCarthy took the reins from retired Judge Michael Ward last year, he brought a slew of experiences with him. We would like to see his tenure continue after Tuesday’s election.Gov. John Kasich appointed McCarthy as judge after Ward retired.It’s important for the Common Pleas Court Judge to have a visible presence in a town flooded with college students, and we think McCarthy brings that to the table better than his competitor, Herman Carson.Though we think both candidates are well-qualified for the role, McCarthy’s numerous roles in the county lead us to believe he is the best candidate.McCarthy, who previously spent 12 years as a local prosecutor, would like to expand drug prevention and education and alcohol diversion programs with the intention of keeping students out of the criminal system. Because of his involvement in county affairs inside and outside the courthouse and his commitment to being involved with students, McCarthy has our vote as Common Pleas Court Judge.Endorsements represent the majority opinion of The Post's executive editors.

---

Editorial: Asexual Awareness Week is a chance for education

Oct. 29, 2014

The Post published a story on Tuesday highlighting Asexual Awareness Week. Before reading the story, we admittedly didn’t know much about asexuality. We suspect many of you might be in the same boat.We urge you to track down the story and learn a thing or two about the small segment of our campus population that doesn’t experience sexual attraction. The student featured in our Tuesday story likened his attraction to viewing art or listening to music — he recognizes others for their beauty but doesn’t feel sexually attracted to it.Ohio University’s LGBT Center is welcoming of individuals who identify as asexual and is hosting a series of events about the sexual orientation this week. Wednesday’s event, a Consent in Ace and Aromantic Relationships workshop, begins at noon in the LGBT Center (354 Baker University Center.)We urge you to attend and learn a little bit more about asexuality and the people who identify with it.The phrase “Bobcat Family” is often tossed out to describe the close-knit community we pride ourselves in here. But we should take every available opportunity to learn more about each other.Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors.

---

---

Editorial: The college experience includes out-of-classroom settings also

Oct. 28, 2014

The out-of-classroom setting is just as important as the classroom setting

---

Editorial: Gunshots provide sobering reminder

Oct. 27, 2014

“Gunshots fired on Court Street” are words that we, as students of this university and temporary patrons of this city, never want to write.

---

From The Editor's Desk: We cover stories that reflect the interests of students

By JIM RYAN | Oct. 24, 2014

Members of The Post’s editorial board meet to decide what will be featured on the next day’s front page every day at 4:30 p.m.Over the past several weeks, I’ve noticed a common question arise more and more often during those meetings: “How does this story relate to students?”Or a variation: “Why should students care?”With those questions in mind, Post staffers have worked to frame our stories in a manner that makes them of highest impact to students.Furthermore, we’re striving to fill our website and newspaper with not simply the top news of the day, but the news that best relates to students. There can, I’ve found, be a sizable difference between the two.This seems incredibly simplistic — The Post is, after all, a campus newspaper — but it has led to us being more choosy about what topics we cover. More about student life, less about the county’s road salt problems, for example.Thursday’s newspaper was a good display of that approach. Our top three stories were about Athens’ high gas prices, the Halloween Block Party and #HandsUpWalkOut rally. Others included a public-service piece about flu shots and a story about a new bar that is soon to open on Station Street.That, in my opinion, is a digest of student interest.Please let us know — by commenting on our social media posts or sending us an email — if you think there’s a topic or event we should be covering. We welcome your feedback.And as always, thanks for reading.

---

Editorial: ‘The Post’ gears up for nearing Halloween festivities

Oct. 24, 2014

Athens’ annual Halloween Block Party is only a day away, and we’re excited to kick off the celebration.With that feeling in mind, we’ve focused much of today’s Post content on the annual end-of-October bash. While we realize the last thing you’re looking for before heading out the door is some required reading, today’s Post stories cover everything you need to know before making your way Uptown.Our stories cover how local law enforcement is keeping the uptown area safe, why your cell phone won’t be working Saturday night and the sanitation concerns resulting from the influx of visitors. That’s in addition to our performance schedule and annual rundown of how Ohio University deals with underage consumption violations.As we’ve said before, the party is a great time, but it’s important to take extra precautions to make sure you stay safe. We’ll be out Saturday night to chronicle the block party, uploading slices of Athens to our website and social media feeds for the world to see. Follow our live coverage on Twitter (@ThePost), Instagram (@ThePostPhoto) and Facebook (ThePostAthens).All the while, please consider that you don’t want to do something this weekend that will make the wrong kind of headlines. We don’t want to put you on our front page for doing something you’ll come to regret.And, no, we can’t remove the story from our website 10 years from now when you land that big job interview.Have a happy block party, Bobcats.Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors.

---

Editorial: Stay mindful about Halloween costumes

Oct. 22, 2014

As you’re well aware, Athens’ infamous Halloween Block Party is on the horizon.

---

Editorial: Students should support top-notch volleyball team

Oct. 20, 2014

Ohio’s volleyball team is really, really good.After starting the season 1-3, the team has won 14 of its past 15 games and is 8-0 in conference play for the first time since 2009.That year, the Bobcats made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after winning the Mid-American Conference regular season and tournament titles.Ohio has talent throughout its roster, as Abby Gilleland and Kelly Lamberti are back-to-back MAC players of the year. Others, such as Meredith Ashy and Chelsea Bilger, have received first-team all-conference honors.The team has the ability to go far — not only at the MAC Tournament later this season, but (potentially) at the NCAA Tournament as well.This upcoming weekend, Western Michigan and Northern Illinois come to compete in Athens, and The Convo is sure to host some epic action. Western Michigan is 6-2 in conference play and a contender in the MAC West. The match against Northern Illinois is bound to be the Bobcats’ most important contest so far this season. The Huskies, currently 8-0 in MAC play, occupy first place in the MAC West. Two teams undefeated in conference play facing off in Athens? That’s must-see action, and The Post hopes to see a large turnout from students.Be sure to head over to The Convo to support some of Ohio’s most impressive (and under-appreciated) student-athletes.Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors.

---

Editorial: Sexual assault kits should be available at Campus Care

Oct. 19, 2014

As we reported in Friday’s edition of The Post, Ohio University’s Campus Care staff isn’t trained to perform sexual assault examinations, which leaves student sexual assault survivors with the sole option in Athens County of venturing to O’Bleness to have a rape kit examination.

---

From The Editors Desk: Sexual assault series importance not reflected online

By JIM RYAN | Oct. 16, 2014

Today’s journalists are constantly juggling stories they think will do well online and ones that are essential to their mission of informing their readers. The Post is no exception to that trend. Over the past week, we have produced some of the best explanatory stories in The Post’s recent history, or at least during my tenure here. A small team of reporters and editors have dug into the topic of sexual assault in Southeast Ohio over the past month, producing stories about how to report a sexual assault and the resources available to sexual assault survivors, among other important topics.I’ve received an encouraging amount of feedback from the usual sources — university professors, alumni, administrators and friends. One alumnus wrote me a lengthy critique of our first story and called the series “a strong, ambitious piece of reporting for a college newspaper ...” A professor in the journalism school sent me an email titled “Outstanding — OUTSTANDING work today.” An administrator asked if I could make sure she gets print copies of each issue to use as resources for a contest she’s organizing.But the traction these stories have received online has been dismal.As of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, the series’ four lead stories and a page linking to all of them amounted to about 6 percent of the week’s web traffic. None of the stories were in the week’s 25 most popular on thepostathens.com.For the sake of comparison, that top 25 list includes a feature on an Athens High School wide receiver who is being recruited by OU, news about F--kRapeCulture’s Friday rally and debate about whether the university needs an academic center specifically for student-athletes. It also includes a quick, timely story about Athens being named one of the best college towns in the country to spend a weekend by USA Today. That’s somewhat discouraging, but it’s also a sign of the times. Some stories are more popular online than they are in print, and that’s something we’re taking into account more than ever here at The Post.We know that what our audience wants to read is oftentimes different than what we think they need to know, and we’re aiming to put together an eclectic mix of the two every day.That’s the duty of a news publication in today’s digital age.As always, thanks for reading.Jim Ryan is a senior studying journalism and political science and editor-in-chief of The Post. Think The Post’s sexual assault series was a good use of resources? Looking for more listicles? Contact him at jr992810@ohio.edu or on Twitter at @Jimryan015.

---

Editorial: Greek Twitter unknowingly a hoax

Oct. 16, 2014

The Post published a story earlier this week about parody Twitter account @OUGreek as part of our “Social Tuesdays” series, which profiles area social media accounts and their moderators.Through a Twitter conversation with a Post reporter, its moderator claimed to be an OU student in a sorority. She said she would only speak to The Post on a condition of anonymity.As we later found out, she isn’t an OU student at all. The account has since been deleted.Needless to say, we got duped.The woman who used to moderate @OUGreek is apparently working as a social media intern for ClusterFlunk, a self-described “social platform that makes it easy for you to meet your classmates, make friends and study smarter.”The woman wrote on her LinkedIn page that her internship required her to maintain the @OUGreek account to build a rapport with students around Athens and tweet ads for ClusterFlunk once the audience believed the account was legitimate.She would later write on her Facebook page about how she lied to us in her interview. Then, she posted the story we wrote with the caption “OMG my internship is so scandalous!”Again, we got duped. We’ve also corrected our story online and in today’s newspaper.It is our policy for reporters to refrain from using anonymous sources, and any anonymous sourcing must be approved by The Post’s editor-in-chief before publication. Because of the nature of our “Social Tuesdays” series, in which many of the sources we contact do not want their names attached to the accounts they moderate, we did not exercise enough caution when moving forward with the @OUGreek story. Proper approval wasn’t sought by either the reporter or editor.Since learning of our missteps, we have vowed to adhere to our original standards for anonymous sourcing. Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors.

---

Editorial: Dining halls among badly-timed university construction

Oct. 15, 2014

For the first time yesterday, Ohio University students were offered a sample of the new taste of West Green.

---

Editorial: Students need to raise their voice in order to make change

Oct. 13, 2014

Students are a vital aspect when it comes to making a change in sexual assault.

---

Editorial: Stories about sexual assault should start discussion

Oct. 12, 2014

The front-page stories printed in The Post this week are among the most important we have published in recent memory.

---

From The Editor's Desk

By JIM RYAN | Oct. 9, 2014

The hype surrounding Homecoming Week and Ohio’s football game on Saturday has reminded me of a frequent question I was asked when I covered Bobcats sports as an underclassman.

---

Editorial: Farmers Market and Student Senate proposals unreasonable

Oct. 8, 2014

The Post executive editors discuss the Athens Farmers Market's proposal for five million dollars to acquire a permanent location and Student Senate's $15 minimum wage and no tuition increases proposals.