Spallumcheen’s mayor denies he’s in a conflict of interest now that he owns a newspaper. Will Hansma officially took over the 107-year-old Armstrong Advertiser Wednesday. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Hansma, who has been a printer for 35 years.“I’ve wanted to run my own business.” But along with a print shop and stationary store, Hansma takes on a newspaper which accepts advertising money from the Township of Spallumcheen and it covers council meetings. “It’s something some people will consider a conflict of interest but it’s not unusual for mayors to own newspapers,” he said, adding that longtime reporter Peter Critchley will serve as editor. “Peter will be in charge of reporting. Anything that has to do with politics, I will not be involved.” But Hansma will do some feature articles for the paper, and he expects to grant interviews to the Advertiser as mayor. Hansma is looking at installing some new publishing technology, but he insists there won’t be significant changes at the paper. “It has a history of integrity and I want to maintain that,” he said.
The Advertiser opened its doors in 1902 and it has been operated by the Jamieson family for 80 years. “I’m ready to retire and I felt it was time to turn it over to someone else,” said Jack Jamieson, the current owner. “It’s been very gratifying and great to reflect the community as it grows and changes.” Jamieson says he is confident in Hansma’s ability to run the business. “I’m just happy that it’s staying within the community,” he said.
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Everyone should know that mayor Hansma, is a specialist if it comes to Conflict of Interest. But keep in mind he purchased the Armstrong Advertiser on April 01, 2009.
Ask yourself who will be the one who is let to believe the story. Real news about Mayor Will Hansma can be viewed at www.spallumcheentwp.com
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