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In an apparent effort to make Annette Griego, Democratic candidate for County Precinct 4, seem uncommitted and impractical, El Paso Matters published a report on her that misreports basic facts. Ms. Griego shared with us the text of a letter she wrote to the reporter, Daniel Perez, complaining about a lack of professionalism. No one who knows Bob Moore should be surprised. We have appended her letter below, unedited:
“Dear Mr. Perez,
I am writing to express my serious disappointment and frustration regarding your recent article, the manner in which you have treated me, and what I believe to be a lack of fairness and professionalism in your reporting.
As soon as I learned that another interview related to my candidacy had been canceled, I immediately reached out to you and offered you that opportunity. I did so despite the rude, disrespectful, and aggressive manner in which you had previously spoken to me over the phone. I could have offered that interview opportunity to another reporter, but instead, I chose to give you my time, attention, and cooperation in good faith.
I want to make it absolutely clear that I am extremely disappointed with the article you published. I recorded our interview, and I am deeply concerned that your article contains statements that do not accurately reflect what I said or the information I provided.
To be specific, I never stated that I would serve the county “as needed” while dedicating myself to my private practice. That is not what I said, and I do not appreciate having statements attributed to me that misrepresent my position or commitment to public service. Furthermore, your article incorrectly states that I have two sons. I have a son and a daughter. These are basic facts that should have been verified before publication.
These inaccuracies are especially concerning because I take my candidacy, my campaign, and my professional reputation very seriously. I made myself available, answered your questions, and treated you with respect. In return, I expected accurate, fair, and responsible reporting.
What concerns me even more is what appears to be unequal treatment and inconsistent standards in your reporting. You questioned my professional practice, yet you did not ask Miguel Teran about his practice, nor did you question Mayor Reynard Johnson about his business. Why am I being subjected to a different level of scrutiny? As a journalist, you have a responsibility to apply the same standards of fairness, accuracy, and accountability to every candidate. I have no objection to answering legitimate questions about my candidacy or professional background, but I do expect consistency and impartiality.
Furthermore, had I known from the beginning that you would conduct yourself in what I consider such an unprofessional and disrespectful manner, I would never have agreed to cooperate with you or your organization. Since January, I have consistently made myself available, taken the time to complete your questionnaires, responded to your requests, and agreed to participate in your interviews. I did all of this in good faith because I believed I would be treated with fairness, respect, and professionalism.
Unfortunately, your conduct and the inaccuracies in your reporting have seriously undermined that trust. My time, my candidacy, and my professional reputation deserve to be respected. I will not remain silent when information about me is misrepresented or when my professional integrity is unfairly called into question.
Let me be clear: I am not asking for favorable coverage, nor am I suggesting that I should be exempt from difficult questions. I am asking for the same level of fairness, professionalism, and accountability that should be extended to every candidate, regardless of who they are.
As a journalist, your responsibility is to report facts accurately, ask fair questions, and provide the public with truthful information. Journalism should inform voters, not create misleading impressions or apply inconsistent standards to individuals seeking public office.
I am formally requesting that you correct the inaccurate information in your article, particularly the statements regarding my commitment to serving the county, my professional practice, and my children. I have retained a recording of our interview and am prepared to reference it to establish what was actually said.
I also request that any corrections be clearly communicated to readers so that the public is not left with inaccurate information about me or my candidacy.
I have worked hard to build my professional reputation, and I take my responsibility to the community and my candidacy seriously. I expect that same level of seriousness and integrity from those entrusted with informing the public.
Fairness, accuracy, and professionalism should never be optional in journalism. They should be the standard for every candidate, without exception.
Sincerely,
Annette Griego”
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