Patch has failed us

The Patch has failed in its journalistic mission to be an independent source of information to the voters of Brookfield.  Let's assume for a moment the pending embezzlement charges against Mr. Tinsley were a surprise to everyone and set it aside.  What about the personal and business financial issues?  The foreclosure was reported in the Patch last year.  Was it not your job to pull that thread and report on the business failure and court judgments that speak so tellingly of his inability to manage his personal finances? Had you done so, an informed public would have taken it into account on Election Day, and Mr. Tinsley's lack of judgment in concealing that he is in the process of copping a plea would be irrelevant, because he would not have been elected in the first place.

This is a small town.  It is easy to surmise the people who vetted Mr. Tinsley knew these things.  They chose out of personal loyalty and in honor of his many years of service to the town to nominate him anyway.  I do not blame them.  I would also surmise that his election opponents knew these things, and chose the high road rather than 'going negative.'  I do not blame them.  Patch, it was your job to let the voters know, and you failed.  If you only report the party line, while giving the lunatic fringe a place to post nonsensical ravings, you are irrelevant.  Reasonable people are heading for the exits and you will soon be gone.