http://twitter.com/stevelackmeyer/status/20336166541

Seriously Steve, EVERYTIME you mention Cornett in a story someone comments about it? One might wonder why Cornett has been mentioned in SEVERAL of your stories. I’m sure it’s cause he is routintely relevant to city news in some capacity other than being the mayor’s son.

Here’s the problem with this cronyism, it’s the backbone of the Oklahoman. I mean, when they train you to be a journalist at the DOK do they stress that you should cozy up to the political leaders of this city as much as possible, or is that something you just learn by watching the example of those around you in the newsroom?

I find it sort of depressing that the mayor’s son is the voice of the people in this city or the voice of a profession (PR) in your articles, as you try to sort of pass him off as Joe Public. Maybe nobody else cares, but it strikes me as a minor example of a larger sickness at the DOK. I believe a newspaper should be serving the citizens not the elite or the powerful. But the DOK is the elite and powerful, so there’s the rub I guess.

By they way, I know I said I was never coming back to this blog, but I couldn’t resist. Where else can I get all outraged?

Yeah, you should see Casey walking around at Bricktown with his dog, he looks so elitist. =)

(please don’t trip over the sarcasm)

James, I’ve mentioned Casey Cornett in only TWO stories in the newspaper – one in 2008 about young professionals looking for housing downtown and the one on Tuesday about Taco Tuesday.
In 2008 Casey was working downtown, had lived downtown, and was weighing options to return to living downtown. I mentioned him again this week because, as I mentioned, he was a frequent and early participant in Taco Tuesday and the social media aspect of it.
Has Casey been featured as a guest blogger on this site? Absolutely. So has Rob Crissinger, Dennis Wells, Doug Loudenback, Tom Elmore, Bert Belanger & others.
I am amused that I would be accused of “cozying up” with political leaders, especially Mayor Mick Cornett. He certainly wouldn’t see that way, and I doubt Casey has been thrilled with my coverage of the convention center and Core to Shore.
I have, and will continue to treat people like Casey and other sons of political folks like Blair and Grant Humphreys as being individuals with their thoughts, lives, accomplishments, failures and experiences. I will respect them, hit them with the same difficult questions I would anyone else, and feature them when appropriate.
Now, all that having been said, feel free to get all outraged (just don’t reach for any tridents!) You’re a good balancing voice on this site.

James…nevermind.

Steve, I appreciate your response, but come on. Shouldn’t you be a little more critical about this?

If the mayor’s son is quoted in one of your pieces, shouldn’t he be identified as the mayor’s son? Isn’t that the most relevant description of him? Isn’t that why he ever got on your radar? Or do you repeatedly feature other enty-level PR folks on your blog and in your reporting?

If you had a quote from Clesea Clinton about Taco Tuesday, would you identify her as an employee of Avenue Capital Group? Or might you refer to her as being the daughter of Bill Clinton?

As a man-on-the-street, I’m a bit offended when you present the Mayor’s son as a man-on-the-street. It’s easy to see why you favor and seek out the view of the mayor’s son, but isn’t journalism about challenging privilege instead of codifying it?

Am I completely off base about this?

Man … you should take cue from Ron Burgundy and kick back and have a beer.

You’re off base James. Casey works at a public relations firm downtown. He has been a frequent Taco Tuesday customer and social media participant in the event. Before the story was cut, it included a couple of quote from him on how he observed business pick-up as the Tuesday night promotions continued. He was picked in this light, and not as you say, “man on the street.”
I don’t identify Grant Humphreys as Kirk Humphreys son when I write about his development because it’s about Grant, not Kirk. I don’t differentiate between entry-level PR people and experienced PR people. Some of the worst PR people I have to deal with have been around decades, while some of the best can be brand new.
I’m not saying there is a grain of truth to your concerns about some people doing things in a way to engratiate themselves with powerful people. But seriously – you have been a longtime reader of this site. Do you honestly, seriously believe I tilt my coverage to make Mayor Mick Cornett happy? Do you really think I spend a lot of time “codifying” privilge? Because if so, you’re not reading this site at all. Now life is too short and I’m not going to get into a flame war here. If you continue to think I’m a lackey to the powerful, fine, you’re entitled to your opinions. I agree with Michael … kick back and have a beer.

BTW: The reason Casey got on my radar is because he works and for a long time lived downtown. He’s a big time downtown enthusiast and has experienced much of what it has to offer. I don’t even know his brother, and he’s never appeared in my coverage. So, by your own standards, I think this discussion is over.

Here I am!!

Steve and All,

Casey Cornett deserves the respect of his thoughts and comments being judged on their own merit.

In the case of our family, my wife, Danna, and Grant, Blair and Annie think and speak for themselves. They do not always agree with me, nor do I with them. They don’t ask always ask for my permission or opinion before they write or speak on a subject.

I wouldn’t have it any other way. Our goal as parents should be to equip and encourage our children to think for themselves. Sometimes they even change my mind!

I don’t always agree with Casey Cornett or his father — but I always respect them.

Kirk Humphreys

Thanks to all of you for weighing in.