Probe appointee linked to Branstad

As usual, The Gazette reports a story which seems to give Gov. Terry Branstad the high road again, regarding the speeding debacle. In reality, the governor's vehicle violated the law and the individual who reported the incident, Larry Hedlund, was fired.

The July 27 headline “Branstad launches new probe in firing of DCI agent” states that he has appointed former Iowa Supreme Court Justice Louis Lavorato to review the case. Sounds admirable. What you failed to reveal is that Branstad actually appointed Lavorato to the Supreme Court in 1986 and that these two are apparently of like minds and good buddies.

Are we to assume that this is a great feat on Branstad's part to seek an independent and fair review of a case that could ultimately become ugly for the governor?

As a reader of The Gazette, I expect you to investigate and challenge the stories you print, particularly those that have political implications. Telling the whole story is the real objective of any quality newspaper.

Andrea Hersey

Cedar Rapids