CONSIDER THIS: Mikey for Managing Editor

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

Michael Rodriguez

Michael Rodriguez

There was little I could get away with as a child. No matter how innocent the situation, no matter how much I attempted to conceal my facial expressions, my mother could always tell when I was fibbing. Of course, most moms would obviously know when their child is lying, but mine has some sort of weird telepathic ability that actually freaks me out. She possesses an intuitive mind ideal for getting to the bottom of things, and it has very rarely failed her.

My father is the enforcer in the household who sets the standard regarding work ethic. He’s long labored ungodly hours yet has always set aside time for his children. It’s this earnest responsibility to not only be a provider for his family but a nurturer that continues to appeal to me. And like any self-respecting dad, he also knew when to be stern with his kids; although my brother and sister consider me the spoiled child, probably because I’m the youngest.

I’ve been thinking about my parents more, at least since publishing an exclusive investigative report that raised questions concerning the legitimacy of developers who proposed building a $200 million power plant in town.

Did I do enough work to satisfy my father? Did I not accept the status quo and question everything, as my mother does? Have I finally made my grandmother—someone who continues to inspire me to be a productive member of society—proud? I haven’t asked my parents for their thoughts on the matter, and I don’t know how my grandmother feels about it. She died in 2004.

Still, I know that the article has since prompted a number of movers and shakers in the community to encourage me to run for mayor. Now there’s an interesting response.

Initially, I laughed off the mayoral inquiries, but after the website comments turned to phone calls and the phone calls turned to visits and the visits turned to “we’ll help with your campaign,” I felt compelled to respond.

While I appreciate the vote of confidence, I will not be running for mayor. I know, I know. I just let down literally tens of people. But the truth is that this city deserves someone better than me. I’m a man of God; I’m a husband; I’m a son; I’m a brother; I’m a friend; I’m a reporter; and I’m also just 32 years old—not that any of this would serve me negatively, but it’s all that I am.

Take into further consideration that my interest in San Benito and in the surrounding communities is to keep the public informed based on the ethics and expectations stressed upon me by my predecessor, Armando Garza, and my publisher, Ray Quiroga. Whatever stories I help break and whatever matters I investigate, the true source of such work is rooted in the newsroom collective and especially in the concerns brought to us by the public.

We’re all part of one big team.

It’s also important to note that what drives me has nothing to do with personal gain or political aspirations but a sense of duty that my father, the hardest working man I know, instilled in me and the standards that my mother, the most intelligent person I know, expects me to meet.

The enthusiasm our readers have shown for the San Benito News and the work we do, however, is something that I will continue to enjoy.

With that said, the only campaign I foresee myself launching is the one that advocates for my continuation as the managing editor of the award-winning, show-stopping, so-good-you-gotta-steal-it San Benito News.

Besides, I get paid to be the managing editor. While I’m certain being the mayor has its perks, it’s also a voluntary position. I’m not much for volunteer work.

Hey … I’m just being honest, and a man’s got to earn a living.

Isn’t that right, mom and dad?

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2013/09/20/consider-this-mikey-for-managing-editor/

2 comments

  1. To James Dillion:

    I know enough to identify you as a troll. Expressing concern is one thing, flame baiting is another. Consider your commenting privileges revoked. Thanks for reading.

  2. Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life . Everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he can not be replaced, nor can his life be repeated. Thus everyone’s task is as unique as his specific opportunity to implement it .
    Viktor Frankl

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