Image: David Flash, dedicated journalist and community steward, pictured during one of his regular clean-up drives in Jeff Davis County.
In the heart of Jeff Davis County, where a dedication to community and truth ought to be celebrated, I found myself unexpectedly in the crosshairs. My pursuit to clean up not just our streets but also the operations of local law enforcement and the county attorney’s office has been met with unexpected resistance and threats of false charges.
As the publisher of BigBendTimes.com, my commitment to honest journalism recently brought me face-to-face with the unnerving side of administrative power. Instead of addressing concerns I raised about potential misuse of confidential records by an employee he supervises, Jeff Davis County attorney, Glen Eisen, has embarked on multiple investigations against me. This move, distressingly, threatens the very tenets of press freedom and transparency that our county holds dear.
Most concerning for press freedom, Eisen has not only embarked on multiple investigations against me but is also using these purported “investigations” as a shield, withholding crucial documents pertinent to my inquiries as a journalist and citizen concerning the employee misconduct, of which I was a victim, he admits occurred in his office. This evasion, under the guise of ongoing probes, not only denies me access to records related to my own reporting on his employee’s alleged misconduct but also challenges the principles of transparency and public accountability.
I believe in a transparent and fair system but my experiences have shown that there are those within our establishment who prioritize cronyism over public duty. It’s concerning for not just journalists but every citizen who believes in the principles of justice and freedom.
It’s ironic that while I’m out cleaning our community streets, there are those in positions of authority who appear to be muddying the waters of justice. The events of recent days have only strengthened my resolve. I’ll continue to uphold the values of honest journalism, ensuring that the truth sees the light of day, even if it means facing threats and intimidation.
Rather than using their influence to hinder my reporting, I’d appreciate it if they’d join me with a picker and bag and channel that energy into bettering our community.
Note: We are currently consulting with legal counsel and will reach out to Eisen for his side of the story. As always, our commitment is to fairness and accuracy.
