Williams official wants retraction

I am requesting a retraction and apology from your reporter Susan Meeker. She reported on an issue regarding the Williams Volunteer Fire Department in the October 24, 2009 issue of your paper. In this issue I was grossly misquoted.

Mrs. Meeker needs to refer to the Oct. 7, 2009 Williams City Council meeting minutes, which she attended and get her facts correct. At that meeting I stated that I was not willing to support Mr. Barkers suggested amendments to this particular ordinance without further investigation. I was at that time aware that ABC regulations may apply and requested the amendments be very specific so there could be no confusion.

While I fully support the Williams Volunteer Fire Department, at no time did I say that I condone "adult entertainment, lap dancing or nudity."

I would be more than happy to provide Mrs. Meeker with a copy of the October 7, 2009 minutes so she can clarify and restate her information.

And I expect a public apology.

Angela Plachek Fulcher

Mayor Pro Tem, Williams

Editor's Note:

The Colusa County Sun-Herald stands by its reporting. Fulcher was not quoted directly in the story. However, she made it clear that she opposed any changes to the firefighters' annual event. While she may not have directly stated she supports the kind of entertainment that has reportedly taken place at this event, which by more than a dozen accounts has at times included lap dancing and full-frontal nudity, she has not directly stated any opposition to it, and by being in favor of allowing it to continue, is, by definition, condoning the activity.

Todd R. Hansen

Managing editor

Below is specific text from the Oct. 7 minutes relating to the topic:

"Councilmember Barker requested the following changes to the draft ordinance: Page 3 of 18 - near No.12, need to address adult dancing, or add some reference to the municipal code regarding adult entertainment. Mayor Pro-Tem Fulcher disagreed with Councilmember Barker's request to add adult dancing limitations into the ordinance, as this specifically applies to a fundraiser that Williams Fire Department holds every year. Councilmember Fulcher asked that it be further investigated. Councilmember Barker said he did investigate the matter and also spoke with the previous city administrator and he feels that it opens the City up to potential litigation by allowing this type of entertainment in public facilities." (Additional discussion) "Mayor Pro-Tem Fulcher strongly restated her position in opposition of action that would limit the fire department's ability to raise funds, as she supports the fire department's fundraising efforts."