Take a deep breath, Doby

I’m using this blog to say so long to a storied employee of the Trib. Steve Oravecz is leaving, as today is his last day. I also want to share a comment I received about him, but that will come lower in this column.

Steve has been here more than 25 years, since 1981. He has held almost every position in the newsroom, from staff writer to editorial page editor, to copy desk chief to politics editor. He has been dedicated all these years to gathering and presenting the news for the residents, and readers, in the area.

Now, to the comment I mentioned earlier. I received a letter earlier this week from Warren Councilman-at-large Bob “Doby” Dean. Here it is: “We will surely miss you Tony Snow ä sorry, Stephen Oravecz, you arenát even close. “I never met Tony Snow, I hear from all those who he touched he always had a gleam in his eye and a warm "How Ya Doin'" as he greeted everyone. It is often said Tony Snow understood both sides of the podium and sincerely respected both. “When I first laid eyes on Steve Oravecz I smiled and offered a warm "How ya doin'?"Steve turned his head in another direction. Steve attended many meetings where he had ample opportunity to say a simple hello to me ä he never once did. Tony Snow it is said to have loved getting the facts out, he loved first class reporting. Somehow I feel bad addressing both individuals in the same draft. “Steve Oravecz, on the other hand loved `gotcha reporting.’ I for one fail to understand the joy in that. My great grandmother taught me if you could not say something good about someone, say nothing at all. Tony Snow, you were right up there with the best.

“Stephen Oravecz ä GOODBYE.” -- Bob Dean

Wow. All I have to say about that is, ease up Doby. Take a deep breath. Don’t blame the messenger. News people simply report the news, be it good or bad.