It appears TimesLedger columnist Dee Richard is dealing in payola in the print media. Richard’s “Dishing with Dee” column has gone deep−sea dishing and she has got herself on the hook. I received calls from many people outraged by her last column.
In the Feb. 26 issue, Richard’s headline read “Ragusa might interview, endorse Democrat Iannece.” Her opening line was, “Phil Ragusa, say it isn’t so!” Richard goes on to remind Ragusa he is the chairman of the Queens County Republican Party.
Kudos to Ragusa if news of his interview and endorsement in the race for City Councilman Tony Avella’s (D−Bayside) seat is true. He appears to have grown into the times when the best candidates get the nod, no matter what party they belong to — such as Democrats voting for state Sen. Frank Padavan (R−Bellerose) year after year because of his hard work in the community.
Richard has shown her hand and lack of objectivity as a columnist. She has the right to voice her opinion as a columnist, but if she is getting paid for this opinion, it should be investigated.
If she is covering events for a newspaper, is it appropriate for her to hand out cards and assure coverage if she is hired as a consultant, as was the case when she was forced to divulge receiving monies from Robert Schwartz, who was running for Sen. Toby Stavisky’s (D−Whitestone) seat? It appears inappropriate and a poor reflection on TimesLedger as a community newspaper.
Joyce Shepard
Bayside
