Mar 27, 2009

Sun metro editor takes a government job

San Bernardino Sun Metro Editor George Watson has agreed to take a job as chief of staff for San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry. The Board of Supervisors still has to vote on the appointment to make it official.

The position opened up last week when Derry's previous chief of staff, Jim Irwin, got himself arrested for allegedly lying about a trip he took to New York courtesy of a Rancho Cucamonga housing developer who was trying to make nice with board. While in New York, the developer lavished Irwin with gifts - a Rolex watch, fancy meals, prostitutes. Irwin allegedly lied about those as well.

Derry had kind things to say about Watson, who's currently on leave from the Sun:
"George is a top-tier individual," Derry said. "He's ethical. He's highly educated. He's professional. He works very hard. I think he will be a tremendous asset to not only the third district, but the county as a whole."

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Isn't it kind of funny that the person who was writing and editing stories about Jim Erwin takes his job? (check the contributing tag) http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_11951069?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com

Anonymous said...

This is some of the best news I've heard in a really long time. For a number of reasons.

Anonymous said...

Ever hear the saying "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?" Looks like the good boys of the county will have one less "enemy" writing about their wrongdoings. This says a lot about character --offer enough money to someone and he will pledge allegiance to the side he once was exposing as corrupt.

Anonymous said...

Oy, I don't know what to think of this. Um, congratulations George?

Anonymous March 27, 2:00 p.m. if you do see good news, please tell us what it is cause this seems wrong on many levels.

Edward Barrera said...

George Watson has been one of the best reporters in SoCal for a long time. Like a good reporter, he didn't work by the clock, wouldn't let a story die and gave more than most to his profession.
This is just another sad example of the next generation leaving journalism. I wish him well, and hope he doesn't get caught up in the culture of corruption that always seems to swirl around SB politics.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

People... people!! George isn't the first reporter, and he won't be the last one, to take a job working for San Bernardino County. We could go down the list of names... At least he's not going down with the ship. Everyone has a future to think about.