Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Amherst New Era-Progress Entry Title: Amherst fire training facility to receive addition; Public safety staff to move into rescue squad building in Madison Heights; Conceptual plans of new public safety station presented in Amherst Entry Credit: Justin Faulconer Judge Comment: Justin Faulconer does a community service by reporting on the Board of Supervisors and detailing the financial obligations, especially long-term debt concerns. “Public Safety” services deserve this type of news coverage.
Competition Comment: “Follow the money” is the No. 1 route a journalist can use to explain a story to readership. “Public Safety” projects generally involve a lot of money: vehicles, buildings, equipment, technology, gear, etc. Often this means learning how to find and understand documents presented at public meetings of those who make the $$ decisions. Glad to see that being done here.
