The Rye Record's GOP Ties Concern Dem Leaders

Heading into what Rye Democrats consider a pivotal election in 2013, in which the mayoral and three council terms will be up, Dem party leaders are claiming The Rye Record’s ties to the Republican party are affecting the political climate, according to The Sound Shore Review's Christian Falcone.

The Rye Record is owned and published by Robin Jovanovich, who is married to Rye City councilman Peter Jovanovich. Mrs. Jovanovich also often serves as a reporter and editor.

Mr. Jovanovich, a Republican, ran for City Council in 2005 and again in 2009, successful in the latter election. He is up for reelection in 2013.

Falcone's article quotes a former democratic Rye City Councilwoman and former Record employee Paula Gamache and democratic leaders giving examples where The Record omitted stories on issues where GOP leadership could be questioned, where the Jovanovich family held a fundraiser at their home that was then reported on in the paper; where GOP candidates used The Rye Record’s office to make campaign calls; and instances where Mrs. Jovanovich refused to abstain from conducting interviews with candidates running against her husband when requested to do so by democratic leaders.

Falcone reports that Dem leaders are calling for The Rye Record to clearly define its role in politics and government. Democratic Party Chair Rod Brown also said he wants Mrs. Jovanovich to either decide not to favor Republicans or stay out of editorial positions during elections and city affair coverage. 

Read Falcone's full story here. 

Do you think The Rye Record is slanted in favor of the local Republican party? If so, does this concern you?