Opportunity to create news rather than write it | News, sports, jobs

Pictured is Josh Cotton, who worked for the Times Observer for 16 years.

Over the past 16 years, I’ve written hundreds of articles for the Times Observer.

I’d love to know what this equates to in column inches, words, or even keystrokes on the various keyboards I’ve used over the years (this is at least my 4th).

This column is a little more difficult than many of my other articles.

That’s because this is my last one “Written by Josh Cotton” Times Observer byline.

I accepted a position as a grant writer in Warren County. Thursday will be your last day at TO and Friday will be your first day in court.

It came together quickly. But it came together so smoothly that I’m confident it’s not only a good fit, but the right next step.

At this stage in my career, I am ready for the next phase. The issues and people I’ve covered over the past 16 years have remained largely the same. Everything I have learned about what makes Warren County vibrant will be invaluable in this new role.

I don’t expect the learning curve to be steep, but I’m excited for what lies ahead. I love a good challenge. And I found myself deeply fascinated by the challenges and possibilities before me.

I’m grateful to former editor-in-chief Eric Paddock for taking a chance on me. When he did, my resume didn’t help him much. There were no news reports.

Little did I know that this would be a rewarding career that would open up so many doors and experiences that I never could have imagined.

When I think of my favorite stories, the same few things always come to mind. When Paul and Dot Hannold humbly shared their wartime service, and then again a few years later when they celebrated their 75th anniversary, when they sat together and spent hours with John Stanton. . He kept his Distinguished Service Cross quietly in a drawer and refused to ask his name. “hero” are used in the same sentence.

I think about the night I learned firsthand the risks law enforcement takes, and how a normal night for them can go from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye. What was supposed to be a routine drunk driving patrol turned into a high speed chase. I knew they were taking risks in their work. I had never experienced that risk firsthand.

I remember a time when we had to challenge what our elected officials were doing and, just as importantly, how they were doing it. We were then able to observe changes in the process as a result of those instances. It is rewarding to know that I have contributed to improving the government’s work, even if just a little.

This job provided me with the opportunity to do something I especially enjoy every week: writing local history. I’m proud of everyone involved in Diversions and everyone who offered kind words and story ideas for those stories (and there were more than I could have ever imagined) Thank you very much. It’s one of the jobs I really miss.

This job took me on a glider and threw up multiple times at 5,000 feet above Pittsfield. A spot on a World War II B-24 bomber and one of my articles that aired on ABC National News last summer.

This job also paved the way for me to publish a book, and this project made me realize that my work is rooted in transferable skills. That is why I am confident that these skills will serve me well in the future. That’s why I mustered up the courage to apply.

I am making this transition with gratitude and it is no surprise that I have a few people to thank. People are what make this job what it is.

Thank you to those who answered my questions. I understand that in some situations it’s not always comfortable to do so. I may not have always gotten it right, but I hope it’s clear that I’ve always tried to be fair and wise.

I’m hesitant to name the people I’ve worked with for fear of offending someone, but I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great people and I still consider them friends. I am especially grateful for the support I received from former publisher Bob Patchen. And our two-reporter model has worked well during the pandemic and beyond. Because I was able to work with someone like Bryan Ferry who was able to do his job.

And thank you to all the readers. I know we didn’t always agree (because we often hear about our disagreements), but I’ve had someone offer me compliments, kind words, and positive feedback about the story. The thing is, it was a number of times I never expected.

The Times Observer’s work is important. I believed that from day one until my impending last day. An informed public is the foundation of our system of government, and I consider our role in that process a sacred duty. I hope I have fulfilled that responsibility and ask for grace as the Times Observer navigates next season.

Warren County wasn’t originally home for me.

But now it’s home to me and it’s truly a wonderful place to live.

So, as corny as it may sound, I think this movement has a chance to make some news rather than just writing about it.

And I’m excited about the prospect.