The Times-Union and today’s terribly unclear front page

I have been complimentary and supportive of the Florida Times-Union’s complete coverage of the fight over the future of JEA, but, jeez, today’s front page above-the-fold story feels like a stretch.

Or maybe not enough of a stretch.

There’s an expression in political campaigns: “If you’re explaining, you’re losing.”

The FTU has engaged in a battle royal campaign against all things related to the city-owned utility. Today, they’re doing a whole lot of explaining over their latest JEA-inspired headline.

Dane Grey, President of Elite Parking Services, made the grave mistake of applying for a seat on the JEA Board, and the TU couldn’t help but drag his family into their public vetting process.

Based on nothing more than an obvious oppo dump, the FTU strung together a series of public and private records from Grey’s custody agreement with his ex-girlfriend.

Reading Chris Hong’s tweet after reading his story, I almost feel sorry for him.

With a disclaimer like that from the reporter, it’s irresponsible to make a family’s personal information public before the story is clear.

I won’t list the flimsy accusations again but will include some of the outpourings of support for Grey on display in Northeast Florida today.

“Dane is close friend, a man of great character and servant leader who is committed to giving back to our community,” said JAX Chamber President and CEO Daniel Davis. “He’s built a successful company and now employs more than 400 people but still makes it a priority to serve on countless boards, including the Chamber board of directors, and supports countless efforts to improve our city.”

Former Duval County Sheriff Nat Glover added: “Dane is a man of good character who treats everyone with respect, and it is a shame that someone would weaponize a man’s family for personal gain.”

“Dane Grey is an excellent business leader who is committed to improving the quality of the Jacksonville Community. He cares, and that is invaluable as we face real issues as a city,” said Bishop John Guns. “I am proud to call him my friend.”

“The TU’s apparent opposition to a JEA deal crossed the line today. Dane Grey is a good man, he is my friend, and I believe these allegations aren’t true,” added Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond. “When a reporter shamefully smears a man’s reputation in the newspaper and then makes excuses for it on Twitter, we have definitely crossed over into fake news.”

It’s worth noting that Grey refused to take the bait.

“Joyce and I may not have made it as a couple, but as Alana’s mother, she is the second greatest blessing of my life,” Grey said in a written statement to the TU. “Co-parenting isn’t easy, but I am grateful each and every day that we are able to raise our beautiful daughter together. It is disgusting that someone would take our challenges out of context in an attempt to disrupt our family for political or financial gain.”

Grey took a pass on attacking others at his own expense and instead did what men do when putting their family first.

Wouldn’t it be nice if every once in a while, those of us in the media did the same?