To most people the words, “tax collector,” tend to cause an awkward feeling of nausea to rise up from deep within their belly. For a journalist on assignment, those words have a pleasant ring to them.
Preston Trigg, Director of Administration and Special Projects with the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office, visited a University of South Florida journalism class on Tuesday. During his presentation he not only dispelled many myths and stereotypes about those two dirty words, but it illuminated the plethora of information that is available through the tax collector’s office.
“The tax collector’s office is a good place to get a lot of info,” said Trigg. “And it’s pretty easy to get.”
Trigg’s detailed Power Point presentation served as the perfect outline for a journalist to follow and offered many simple ways to break a story.
I, as well as many of my fellow students I am sure, was amazed at just how easy it is to find out where a person lives, how much their home costs, and even whether or not they have a Jacuzzi in their yard.
As a citizen of the United States it was a bit unnerving, but as a journalist it brings about a feeling of optimism. To be able to sit at home on my laptop and access a few files that can break a major fraud case is simply amazing.
Trigg cited an instance in which Jim Norman, a county commissioner, had purchased homes in Arkansas. The loan that he used was given to his wife, by someone who ended up having connections to the county commission.
Numerous other scandals were discovered as well, just by thorough reporters taking the time to sort through pages of information. For example: If the assessed valued of a person’s home is a lot different than the just value, there is a good chance that something is wrong. This is how property taxes are assessed, so if the value of the home is underestimated, there is a possibility that there could be some wrong-doings going on.
Before he departed, Trigg left us with some valuable wisdom.
“Spend more time with the legislative secretary than with the legislator,” he said. “Please don’t underestimate the value of relationships.” He was referring to the importance of having connections that were willing to go that extra step to be sure to provide you with all possible information, which can be an extremely useful tool as a journalist.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Bulls football races along, has fan base followed?
TAMPA, Fla. --
The University of South Florida’s football program is relatively young compared to some of Florida’s more established programs, some of which have been around for nearly a century. These schools have built a solid tradition, while USF has only 13 years of football under its belt.
College football fans in Florida formed their allegiances years ago. Swaying those allegiances, however, was not the only roadblock on the path to forming the USF Bulls football program. Tampa has a reputation for being a town of professional football enthusiasts, making it even more difficult to convert residents and students into Bulls fans.
“College football is greatly overrated and generally superfluous,” said Christopher Stenzel, a senior at USF.
A recent survey of students (mostly seniors) and faculty at USF revealed that more than half of those surveyed had never attended a football game or had only attended one game during their time at the school. All of those surveyed were aware that the school fielded a team, but four out of five admitted they had little or no knowledge of the team’s history.
Conversely, a survey of non-student Tampa residents yielded results showing that the city has begun to adopt the program. All but 2 of the residents surveyed said that they were excited about the team’s progress and said they appreciate what the team meant to the community.
“Because of the development and population growth in the surrounding suburbs of Tampa, The University of South Florida has been in a very beneficial location as a commuter school,” said Greg Biersack, 34, a Hillsborough County resident. “This kind of positive growth also supports the success of the football program itself.”
The survey of the residents also showed a well-developed knowledge of the team’s history.
“In only 13 seasons of having a team, the Bulls have had several Top 25 rankings (including a #2 spot in 2007) and 3 Bowl appearances,” said Biersack.
The Bulls football program faces many challenges ahead, but with new Coach Skip Holtz at the helm, fans are beginning to get behind the team. The Bulls next game is Saturday at Raymond James Stadium versus Western Kentucky.
A meteoric rise – Bulls football timeline – 1997 – the present
Dec. 12, 1995 – Jim Leavitt hired to coach the first football team ever fielded by the University of South Florida.
Sept. 6, 1997 – The University of South Florida Bulls play the first game in program history. It was also their first win as they rolled over Kentucky Wesleyan 80-3 at Tampa Stadium.
Sept. 28, 1998 – The Bulls earned their first national ranking in the 1-AA polls after a 45-6 win over Citadel at Raymond James Stadium.
Oct. 28, 2000 – A win over The University of Connecticut is the Bulls first win over a 1-A opponent.
May, 2004 – USF opens a $15 million dollar athletic training facility.
Sept. 17, 2005 – The first game in a four game series with in-state rival The University of Central Florida begins with a Bulls win, in Tampa, 31-14.
Oct 1, 2005 – USF visits Miami to take on the Hurricanes for the first time. The result is a 27-7 loss.
Dec. 31, 2005 – The Bulls are shutout by N.C. State, 14-0, in their first bowl appearance – Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Dec. 23, 2006 – A 24-7 victory of Conference USA opponent East Carolina at the Papajohns.com Bowl is the first bowl win in school history.
Sept. 8, 2007 – USF visits SEC powerhouse Auburn and comes away with an upset victory 26-23.
Sept. 6, 2008 – USF defeats the UCF Knights 31- 24, in overtime, as the Bulls sweep each of the four games between the two schools. A contract to renew the series in not signed.
Sept. 26, 2009 – The Bulls go to Tallahassee and defeat the Bobby Bowden coached Florida State Seminoles. This marks the first win by USF over one of the major three Florida football programs.
Jan. 8, 2010 – Coach Jim Leavitt is released from his position after an alleged incident Nov. 21. Leavitt had been the team’s only coach up until this point.
Jan. 14, 2010 – Skip Holtz, son of famed former Notre Dame Head coach Lou Holtz, is hired to coach the University of South Florida Bulls Football program.
Sept. 11, 2010 – A trip to Gainesville ends up with a 38-14 loss to the University of Florida Gators. The game marks the first game between the two schools.
-Anthony Gaenzle
The University of South Florida’s football program is relatively young compared to some of Florida’s more established programs, some of which have been around for nearly a century. These schools have built a solid tradition, while USF has only 13 years of football under its belt.
College football fans in Florida formed their allegiances years ago. Swaying those allegiances, however, was not the only roadblock on the path to forming the USF Bulls football program. Tampa has a reputation for being a town of professional football enthusiasts, making it even more difficult to convert residents and students into Bulls fans.
“College football is greatly overrated and generally superfluous,” said Christopher Stenzel, a senior at USF.
A recent survey of students (mostly seniors) and faculty at USF revealed that more than half of those surveyed had never attended a football game or had only attended one game during their time at the school. All of those surveyed were aware that the school fielded a team, but four out of five admitted they had little or no knowledge of the team’s history.
Conversely, a survey of non-student Tampa residents yielded results showing that the city has begun to adopt the program. All but 2 of the residents surveyed said that they were excited about the team’s progress and said they appreciate what the team meant to the community.
“Because of the development and population growth in the surrounding suburbs of Tampa, The University of South Florida has been in a very beneficial location as a commuter school,” said Greg Biersack, 34, a Hillsborough County resident. “This kind of positive growth also supports the success of the football program itself.”
The survey of the residents also showed a well-developed knowledge of the team’s history.
“In only 13 seasons of having a team, the Bulls have had several Top 25 rankings (including a #2 spot in 2007) and 3 Bowl appearances,” said Biersack.
The Bulls football program faces many challenges ahead, but with new Coach Skip Holtz at the helm, fans are beginning to get behind the team. The Bulls next game is Saturday at Raymond James Stadium versus Western Kentucky.
A meteoric rise – Bulls football timeline – 1997 – the present
Dec. 12, 1995 – Jim Leavitt hired to coach the first football team ever fielded by the University of South Florida.
Sept. 6, 1997 – The University of South Florida Bulls play the first game in program history. It was also their first win as they rolled over Kentucky Wesleyan 80-3 at Tampa Stadium.
Sept. 28, 1998 – The Bulls earned their first national ranking in the 1-AA polls after a 45-6 win over Citadel at Raymond James Stadium.
Oct. 28, 2000 – A win over The University of Connecticut is the Bulls first win over a 1-A opponent.
May, 2004 – USF opens a $15 million dollar athletic training facility.
Sept. 17, 2005 – The first game in a four game series with in-state rival The University of Central Florida begins with a Bulls win, in Tampa, 31-14.
Oct 1, 2005 – USF visits Miami to take on the Hurricanes for the first time. The result is a 27-7 loss.
Dec. 31, 2005 – The Bulls are shutout by N.C. State, 14-0, in their first bowl appearance – Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Dec. 23, 2006 – A 24-7 victory of Conference USA opponent East Carolina at the Papajohns.com Bowl is the first bowl win in school history.
Sept. 8, 2007 – USF visits SEC powerhouse Auburn and comes away with an upset victory 26-23.
Sept. 6, 2008 – USF defeats the UCF Knights 31- 24, in overtime, as the Bulls sweep each of the four games between the two schools. A contract to renew the series in not signed.
Sept. 26, 2009 – The Bulls go to Tallahassee and defeat the Bobby Bowden coached Florida State Seminoles. This marks the first win by USF over one of the major three Florida football programs.
Jan. 8, 2010 – Coach Jim Leavitt is released from his position after an alleged incident Nov. 21. Leavitt had been the team’s only coach up until this point.
Jan. 14, 2010 – Skip Holtz, son of famed former Notre Dame Head coach Lou Holtz, is hired to coach the University of South Florida Bulls Football program.
Sept. 11, 2010 – A trip to Gainesville ends up with a 38-14 loss to the University of Florida Gators. The game marks the first game between the two schools.
-Anthony Gaenzle
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Go Directly to Jail: Please Leave Your Freedom at The Gate
For the entirety of my life, I have avoided jail, even if it was a narrow escape at times. This passed Tuesday did not allow for that escape, as JOU 4181 made the trek to Hillsborough County Jail.
Upon entering the reception area, we were asked to stow our belongings inside a locker. Students emptied their pockets, stuffing car keys, wallets, spare change, watches, and everything under the sun into small metal lockers, adjacent to the jail entrance.
We were handed ID cards that we were told to hold onto for dear life. I tightly clipped mine onto my shirt pocket, careful to make sure it was securely fastened.
One thing odd that I noticed, was despite all of the precautions, we still walked around the metal detector, rather than through it. Odd yes, but beside the point, so I digress.
On through the gates we passed, met by a row of orange clad prison mates, being led down the hall by a single deputy. The look in their eyes, as they glared at our group of bright eyed college students, said it all. We were in their territory now.
The next stop was the camera room. I was surprised to learn how much footage was public record.
Pretty much everything, unless it is evidence, is available to journalists. The police are open with information, which reinstated some formerly lost faith in the police department.
Central booking was infinitely less pleasant. As we entered, an inmate offered an intimate welcome to the female visitors. Unfortunately for him, it was not reciprocated and he was dragged off into his own private waiting cell.
As we exited central booking, on our way to public information, I am relatively sure that one of the women prisoners barked at us. I had to do a double take to make sure, but as I turned to look, the guard cracked down and the alleged offenders grew silent. I would never know if the sound were human, or a wayward canine had wandered through the door.
After a journey through the depths of hell, we finally made it to public information. This is where Colonel James Previtera offered us some advice.
"The kind of person that's very educated on their story," said Previtera, referring to the type of reporters that they welcome.
As a former journalist himself, Previtera was well versed in his knowledge of our world.
"We live by 119," He said, "We know what should be distributed and what shouldn't."
As we moved toward the exit, it became clear that the ID card doubled as a get out of jail free card. As we were told in the beginning, it's a lot easier to get into Hillsborough County Jail than it is to get out.
Upon entering the reception area, we were asked to stow our belongings inside a locker. Students emptied their pockets, stuffing car keys, wallets, spare change, watches, and everything under the sun into small metal lockers, adjacent to the jail entrance.
We were handed ID cards that we were told to hold onto for dear life. I tightly clipped mine onto my shirt pocket, careful to make sure it was securely fastened.
One thing odd that I noticed, was despite all of the precautions, we still walked around the metal detector, rather than through it. Odd yes, but beside the point, so I digress.
On through the gates we passed, met by a row of orange clad prison mates, being led down the hall by a single deputy. The look in their eyes, as they glared at our group of bright eyed college students, said it all. We were in their territory now.
The next stop was the camera room. I was surprised to learn how much footage was public record.
Pretty much everything, unless it is evidence, is available to journalists. The police are open with information, which reinstated some formerly lost faith in the police department.
Central booking was infinitely less pleasant. As we entered, an inmate offered an intimate welcome to the female visitors. Unfortunately for him, it was not reciprocated and he was dragged off into his own private waiting cell.
As we exited central booking, on our way to public information, I am relatively sure that one of the women prisoners barked at us. I had to do a double take to make sure, but as I turned to look, the guard cracked down and the alleged offenders grew silent. I would never know if the sound were human, or a wayward canine had wandered through the door.
After a journey through the depths of hell, we finally made it to public information. This is where Colonel James Previtera offered us some advice.
"The kind of person that's very educated on their story," said Previtera, referring to the type of reporters that they welcome.
As a former journalist himself, Previtera was well versed in his knowledge of our world.
"We live by 119," He said, "We know what should be distributed and what shouldn't."
As we moved toward the exit, it became clear that the ID card doubled as a get out of jail free card. As we were told in the beginning, it's a lot easier to get into Hillsborough County Jail than it is to get out.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Hillsborough Sheriff's Department: Conflicting Messages
The Exterior of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office has an inviting air about it. A subtly landscaped courtyard gives visitors the feeling that they have entered into a re-purposed beach motel.
Memories of child hood visits to the seashore danced through my head. A smile formed across my lips as I recalled the sounds of seagulls calling out to their airborne pals.
Just as suddenly as the memories had arrived, they disappeared, as we ascended a flight of stairs and entered the building. A mass of students filed into a world of sterile bureaucracy.
The shift of emotions that I felt were a prelude for what was to come.
At the end of long table, in a slightly intimidating conference room, an ominous sign reading, “Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department”, glared at us. Eerie reminders of members of the Sheriff’s office, debriefing reporters about details of breaking cases, flashed in my mind.
After a drawn out ordeal seating a room full of anxious students, we were greeted my Cristal Bermudez and J.D. Callaway, who work with a team that deals with any media issues that face the Sheriff’s department.
The initial mood was open and welcoming. Bermudez stressed the importance of the media and the police department working together.
“We are on the same team.” She said.
Callaway reiterated the point, making sure to point out that there is a lot of information available, that we as members of the media would have access too.
We were shown various items including criminal report affidavits, booking sheets, general offense, and more. Each item was explained in detail and we were even given an outline of what is and is not obtainable by the media.
Things were pleasant and cordial at first, we were lead to believe that the police and the media were the best of friends, but then the tone changed.
“You don’t wanna burn your bridges with different agencies.” Said Bermudez.
For the time being it was left at that. The first presentation wrapped up and we were lead to another building, where 911 operators and police dispatchers perform a job that would put many people in tears.
Alex Diaz, communications training officer, took over from there. He explained the intricate workings of the operations. Bermudez, waiting in the corner, listened intently.
After Diaz’s presentation, we were split into groups. My group stayed behind as the other half of the class toured the 911call center.
Bermudez took the opportunity to speak with us further.
Don’t get me wrong. She is a very talented individual and was very welcoming and informative. I truly enjoyed the experience and I learned a lot from her expertise, but there was definitely an underlying tone of warning.
She brought up the point of not burning bridges again, but this time her tone was less pleasant. There was a noticeable rise in the intensity of her voice.
She beat home her point of not “stepping on toes”. An unnamed member of the media had apparently evoked the wrath of the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Department and had lost all of his or her privileges.
This stern warning hit home. At that time I realized that public record researching was a fine balancing act of tenacity mixed with discretion.
This lesson, delivered by Bermudez, is one that I will take with me as I progress in my career. Any time that I receive a pleasant welcome from someone supplying me with public record, I will look back and thank Bermudez for her wisdom.
Success would be tough to come by after being shut out by a source.
Memories of child hood visits to the seashore danced through my head. A smile formed across my lips as I recalled the sounds of seagulls calling out to their airborne pals.
Just as suddenly as the memories had arrived, they disappeared, as we ascended a flight of stairs and entered the building. A mass of students filed into a world of sterile bureaucracy.
The shift of emotions that I felt were a prelude for what was to come.
At the end of long table, in a slightly intimidating conference room, an ominous sign reading, “Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department”, glared at us. Eerie reminders of members of the Sheriff’s office, debriefing reporters about details of breaking cases, flashed in my mind.
After a drawn out ordeal seating a room full of anxious students, we were greeted my Cristal Bermudez and J.D. Callaway, who work with a team that deals with any media issues that face the Sheriff’s department.
The initial mood was open and welcoming. Bermudez stressed the importance of the media and the police department working together.
“We are on the same team.” She said.
Callaway reiterated the point, making sure to point out that there is a lot of information available, that we as members of the media would have access too.
We were shown various items including criminal report affidavits, booking sheets, general offense, and more. Each item was explained in detail and we were even given an outline of what is and is not obtainable by the media.
Things were pleasant and cordial at first, we were lead to believe that the police and the media were the best of friends, but then the tone changed.
“You don’t wanna burn your bridges with different agencies.” Said Bermudez.
For the time being it was left at that. The first presentation wrapped up and we were lead to another building, where 911 operators and police dispatchers perform a job that would put many people in tears.
Alex Diaz, communications training officer, took over from there. He explained the intricate workings of the operations. Bermudez, waiting in the corner, listened intently.
After Diaz’s presentation, we were split into groups. My group stayed behind as the other half of the class toured the 911call center.
Bermudez took the opportunity to speak with us further.
Don’t get me wrong. She is a very talented individual and was very welcoming and informative. I truly enjoyed the experience and I learned a lot from her expertise, but there was definitely an underlying tone of warning.
She brought up the point of not burning bridges again, but this time her tone was less pleasant. There was a noticeable rise in the intensity of her voice.
She beat home her point of not “stepping on toes”. An unnamed member of the media had apparently evoked the wrath of the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Department and had lost all of his or her privileges.
This stern warning hit home. At that time I realized that public record researching was a fine balancing act of tenacity mixed with discretion.
This lesson, delivered by Bermudez, is one that I will take with me as I progress in my career. Any time that I receive a pleasant welcome from someone supplying me with public record, I will look back and thank Bermudez for her wisdom.
Success would be tough to come by after being shut out by a source.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Matt Doig: Database Specialist...yawn! Oh wait...
It had been a long weekend...a fun weekend, but exhausting nonetheless. I had already been through five hours of school and studying before arriving at my Public Affairs Reporting class. I enjoy the class, but I was dreading this session.
Glancing at the syllabus, the words "database specialist" glared at me from the page. Just the thought of having to spend over an hour listening to someone drone on about excel files and databases, sent me into a stupor.
As Mr. Matt Doig, investigative editor and database specialist for the Sarasota Tribune-Herald, made his way to the podium, I knew I was in for a long day. I cringed when the projector screen lit up with a giant example of an Excel data sheet. I was in for a battle against my eternal enemy, the Sandman!
But as Doig began to speak, an amazing thing happened. My ears perked up, and I found myself listening. Mildly at first, just jotting down a note here and there in an attempt to stay awake, but then more and more furtively as the presentation moved along.
What was this? Was I actually interested in databases!?
He spoke of a case where his team at the Herald broke a huge story about housing fraud. People had really been brought to justice because a few reporters had painstakingly toiled through files, pulling out information that incriminated these scumbags.
Another story involved a scandal within Florida's schools. Teachers who were earning worse grades on the various, required tests were being placed at poorer schools. This seemed unfair at the very least. The poorer schools are the ones that require the better teachers. Without the utilization of this database searching skill, this injustice may never have been brought to light.
By the time Doig was finished speaking, I was a changed student. I will never look at database specialists as having a "boring" job again. Although it may be tedious at times, there is amazing potential for its use in journalism and its ability to really make a difference in our world.
I now realize the essential nature of this tool, not only in investigative journalism, but as an item on the skill list on my resume. Thanks Matt Doig!
Glancing at the syllabus, the words "database specialist" glared at me from the page. Just the thought of having to spend over an hour listening to someone drone on about excel files and databases, sent me into a stupor.
As Mr. Matt Doig, investigative editor and database specialist for the Sarasota Tribune-Herald, made his way to the podium, I knew I was in for a long day. I cringed when the projector screen lit up with a giant example of an Excel data sheet. I was in for a battle against my eternal enemy, the Sandman!
But as Doig began to speak, an amazing thing happened. My ears perked up, and I found myself listening. Mildly at first, just jotting down a note here and there in an attempt to stay awake, but then more and more furtively as the presentation moved along.
What was this? Was I actually interested in databases!?
He spoke of a case where his team at the Herald broke a huge story about housing fraud. People had really been brought to justice because a few reporters had painstakingly toiled through files, pulling out information that incriminated these scumbags.
Another story involved a scandal within Florida's schools. Teachers who were earning worse grades on the various, required tests were being placed at poorer schools. This seemed unfair at the very least. The poorer schools are the ones that require the better teachers. Without the utilization of this database searching skill, this injustice may never have been brought to light.
By the time Doig was finished speaking, I was a changed student. I will never look at database specialists as having a "boring" job again. Although it may be tedious at times, there is amazing potential for its use in journalism and its ability to really make a difference in our world.
I now realize the essential nature of this tool, not only in investigative journalism, but as an item on the skill list on my resume. Thanks Matt Doig!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Expert Advice: St. Pete Times, Tim Nickens, Visits USF
As Editor of the St. Pete Times' editorial page, Tim Nickens is a busy man. Nevertheless, he found time to visit the University of South Florida and speak with a classroom full of Mass Communication majors.
Nickens stopped by the Public Affairs Reporting class Tuesday to assist students in their quest to learn more about obtaining public records and to speak about Florida's sunshine laws.
The Sunshine Laws, as Nickens explained, are the strongest in the country. In Florida we tend to wonder "Why a record is closed" as opposed to why it is open, he said.
However, he stressed that, despite limited restriction on public records, they are not always easy to find. There are roadblocks that can get in the way.
"Even though they are public, you gotta know where to look," he said. He cited the example of property appraisals, which can be found online or at the county courthouse.
Many records can be found online, but the large majority must be obtained from a particular venue. When a reporter attends a physical venue to locate particular information, there are few restrictions on what they can obtain; however, there are stipulations that are in place.
For example, clerks charge 15 cents per page for printing documents. They may charge more if they deem necessary. It is in their power to add the hourly rate of the lowest paid employmee performing the search and print task, to the overall fee.
Another problem is that local institutions, such as courthouses, may not be familiar with the laws. When a journalist runs into this, they may end up spending hours, simply trying to prove that they have the rights to the documents.
Despite these and other issues, Nickens assured students that there is a "surprising amount" of records available to the public. Public records can be the greatest tool that a journalist has at his or her disposal, and Nickens stressed the importance of honing this skill.
The St. Pete Times editor referenced real-life situations to shed light on the importance of public records to a journalist. Using the example of Ray Sanson, a formerly bright and shining political star, he explained how solid researching skills can help to police the politicians around us and to make a huge impact on our world.
After viewing certain records, it became clear to a certain journalist that Sanson was up to no good. The journalist delved deeper into Sanson's past and came up with incriminating evidence that the money that Sanson was supposed to be spending on certain projects, was actually being spent elsewhere, at the request of influential individuals.
Using stories like this, Nickens highlighted the essential nature of developing one's public records hunting skills.
Receiving a round of applause, Nickens thanked the class for their attention and for welcoming him to be a participant.
Nickens stopped by the Public Affairs Reporting class Tuesday to assist students in their quest to learn more about obtaining public records and to speak about Florida's sunshine laws.
The Sunshine Laws, as Nickens explained, are the strongest in the country. In Florida we tend to wonder "Why a record is closed" as opposed to why it is open, he said.
However, he stressed that, despite limited restriction on public records, they are not always easy to find. There are roadblocks that can get in the way.
"Even though they are public, you gotta know where to look," he said. He cited the example of property appraisals, which can be found online or at the county courthouse.
Many records can be found online, but the large majority must be obtained from a particular venue. When a reporter attends a physical venue to locate particular information, there are few restrictions on what they can obtain; however, there are stipulations that are in place.
For example, clerks charge 15 cents per page for printing documents. They may charge more if they deem necessary. It is in their power to add the hourly rate of the lowest paid employmee performing the search and print task, to the overall fee.
Another problem is that local institutions, such as courthouses, may not be familiar with the laws. When a journalist runs into this, they may end up spending hours, simply trying to prove that they have the rights to the documents.
Despite these and other issues, Nickens assured students that there is a "surprising amount" of records available to the public. Public records can be the greatest tool that a journalist has at his or her disposal, and Nickens stressed the importance of honing this skill.
The St. Pete Times editor referenced real-life situations to shed light on the importance of public records to a journalist. Using the example of Ray Sanson, a formerly bright and shining political star, he explained how solid researching skills can help to police the politicians around us and to make a huge impact on our world.
After viewing certain records, it became clear to a certain journalist that Sanson was up to no good. The journalist delved deeper into Sanson's past and came up with incriminating evidence that the money that Sanson was supposed to be spending on certain projects, was actually being spent elsewhere, at the request of influential individuals.
Using stories like this, Nickens highlighted the essential nature of developing one's public records hunting skills.
Receiving a round of applause, Nickens thanked the class for their attention and for welcoming him to be a participant.
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