The City Caucus "throw as much mud against the wall as possible and see what sticks" style of reporting has once again fallen far short of accuracy.

UPDATE:  Jeff Lee of the Vancouver Sun also demonstrates how useful a simple phone call can be in gauging sensational yet false storylines.

The conjecture:

“Vancouver’s City Clerk responsible for Freedom of Information requests Paul Hancock, Manager, Corporate Information & Privacy, has tendered his resignation. It is believed that Hancock did not have another job opportunity when he made this decision.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: Crack reporting at its finest)

“”However, it was well known how frustrated he had become working for this administration.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: From another phantom source at City Hall)

“Hancock was on the receiving end of Ballem’s tirades, and remained dignified despite enormous pressure by the Vision Vancouver government to obscure and stifle access to information.” (EDITOR’S NOTE: Where is the proof that comes anywhere close to backing up this allegation?)

The facts:

“City manager Penny Ballem said that the just-announced departure of freedom of information officer Paul Hancock for another job…”

“Ms. Ballem said Mr. Hancock is leaving for a “wonderful opportunity” elsewhere. “He has other interests around FOI that will be a great fit there.”

Now unless the City Caucus boys are calling Penny a liar, it seems as though they didn’t bother to do even the basic level of digging about why Paul Hancock is really leaving.

But why would they bother to seek out the facts when speculation and innuendo suits their purposes far better?