A Chatham-Kent councillor insists his decision to take a new job in the media will not affect his role on council.
Ward 2 Councillor Trevor Thompson is newscasting and reporting at a Wallaceburg radio station.
Wallaceburg Courier Press Reporter David Gough addressed his concerns about the move in a recent short editorial. "My personal opinion is there should be some sort of line or wall in between journalists and politicians. So it's just kind of surprising that he's taking on both roles."
Thompson says he's told both the municipality and radio station he won't let both jobs cross paths. "You are not hiring somebody who's going to throw you a bunch of leads. You're not hiring someone who's going to get you in touch with everybody and leak you information. I'm a good reporter, I'm a good newscaster, but as far as council stuff goes, you speak to your councillors [in Wallaceburg]."
Thompson says he also got advice from former councillor and current owner of the Ridgetown Independent News Jim Brown. Gough adds there have been politicians in the past, like former Mayor and Courier Press Owner Gary O'Flynn, who he says took advantage of his dual positions.
Thompson and Blackburn Radio Inc. parted ways in the fall after his successful bid for a seat on council.
