We certainly are fortunate to have local press like The Times, the “people’s watchdog,” informing us when government is “veracity challenged” and asking probing questions to expose the truth.

They clearly take their freedom of the press responsibility to hold government accountable and provide equal press access for critics and government seriously.

At the last Sanitary District meeting, a community member/engineer questioned District claims that the primary purpose for their $2.7 million lake restroom project was “safety.” He asked whether the district was violating OSHA confined space entry permit requirements (there are none for the vaults), or if there weren’t any “methane, hydrogen sulfide and other toxic gasses” in the vaults claimed in The Times interview by Manager Dana Trompke. When asked by Board Member Reski if those hazards were present in the subject vaults, Ms. Trompke admitted they weren’t.

Thanks to The Times for almost exposing this apparent deception. Too bad there wasn’t room for it in their story.

Then there’s the great job of exposing the severe rusting in the vaults resulting from negligent district maintenance. Timely coating would’ve prevented the damage and saved $2.7 million. Questioning Manager Trompke on this, as she was by the public, would be insightful journalism. I guess they didn’t have time for that critical question.

The Times has done an equally great job at town council meetings.

Public questions such as what the town is doing to fix contracting process problems that resulted in paying 76 percent over professional estimates for road shoulder work were frequently made. Too bad The Times didn’t include that in coverage. Must’ve been short of printer’s ink.

Yes, we are indeed fortunate The Times is our “watchdog” on government; and if you believe that I have some oceanfront property in Fountain Hills in which you may be interested!