From the Editor: A statement on Watershed Voice’s coverage of the Colon Township, Farrand Hall zoning conflict

Watershed Voice has published two stories related to the ongoing zoning conflict between Farrand Hall owners James Gray and Jacob Hagan, and Colon Township’s planning commission. The first came after Gray announced he was running as a write-in candidate for Colon Township trustee in response to a decision made by the township’s planning commission in October. The second story centered on allegations of discrimination against the township made by Gray earlier this month. 

In each instance, Watershed contacted both parties prior to publication, and despite claims to the contrary made by Colon Township attorney Lance Thornton at a township meeting on Tuesday, December 17, we made every effort to include both parties’ perspectives on the matter. 

In October, Watershed staff reached out to members of the planning commission but were directed to speak with Thornton instead. As of 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 18, the day we published the initial story, the Thornton Law Office in Sturgis had a message saying he would be gone on October 9 and not returning calls until the following day. Before publishing the second story, in which Gray alleged Farrand Hall is being singled out because of homophobia, Thornton was once again contacted but declined comment. 

Thornton stated on Tuesday that Gray nor Watershed Voice provided specific examples of conduct that would qualify as discriminatory or homophobic in the aforementioned story, which is not inaccurate. But let me be clear, at no point in the course of our reporting has Watershed Voice stated any representative of Colon Township or the actions of its planning commission could be interpreted as discriminatory, nor are we now. 

Alek Haak-Frost

But for Thornton to claim that not providing “independent supportive evidence” of discrimination is “neither journalism nor substantive reporting” is just not accurate. This is not a court of law, Watershed Voice is not the prosecution, nor do we represent anyone in this matter. 

Discrimination can be interpreted a million different ways, including just feeling it in a room or in interactions you have with folks. And it can certainly happen without anyone ever saying anything explicitly inflammatory. Those instances may not hold up in a courtroom if someone is suing for damages but that’s not what’s happening here. 

Gray made public statements on the record alleging discrimination, and we reported on it. We attempted to get a statement from Colon Township’s lawyer on the matter as previously directed, and Mr. Thornton declined to comment, which is his right.

But we also can’t publish a statement of denial unless one is issued. We can’t provide a perspective that isn’t shared.

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor and publisher of Watershed Voice.