Open Letter to the Deputy Mayor of Kythira, Mr. Stratigos

Dear Deputy Mayor, General,

At a meeting of the Municipal Council of Kythera on August 14, 2024, discussed the the serious issue of taking measures for the adequacy of water supply on our island. In your statement you mentioned, among other things: «During these days (31.07 - 08.08.2024) there was an escalation from media outlets affiliated to the opposition...and I say this...Mr Precas, if I am not mistaken, is a member of your party...there was an escalation with problems all the time. His right but even problems that occurred for tens of minutes. It's no coincidence that an emergency was put out... for the water shutoff in Diakofti....»

First of all, I would like to express my satisfaction that you read KytheraNews with great attention. Thank you.

I assume you agree that your institutional position (deputy mayor) is inherent in public control. That's exactly what independent media around the world do, check power. That's what we do too. I assume that it is not in your aspirations to have a power that buys or blackmails the silence of the media.. I just remind you that our country has not performed well in recent years in terms of press freedom (107th place internationally). I certainly do not believe that it is your intention to restrict the freedom of the local media (I say this in all sincerity).

Of course, the media should not be unregulated. But let us come to the point:

General, for your information the only water supply failure reports or records we have published on Kythera.News are:

1. 5 August 2024 (Municipality's notice of termination)

2. 11 August 2024 (Municipality's notice of discontinuance)

3. 12 August 2024 (Municipality's Notice of Discontinuance)

4. 15 August 2024 (Municipality's Notice of Discontinuance)

Photos for the 12th of August, provided by the tireless Takis Politis from AdelinFM.

«Extraordinary» was never «made»...

Also a letter from a named citizen was published on 14 August, in particular κ. Alexandros Kypriotis. The letter described the reality, it was not contradicted, it did not contain inappropriate characterizations.

Today, looking at the news, I realize that we should have more publications about the hot water supply problem. I promise to make amends...

Based on the above please refute what you have stated. Do not assist the attempt to silence independent local media, do not disparage our efforts. After all, in democracy there are always solutions.

In addition, as part of a declaration of principles, I note for Kythera.News:

1. We support every Kythiraikos media which records the news without extreme characterizations, without distorting reality.

2. When our citizens communicate their letters to us they will be published as foreseen and always with the due diligence required.. We do not publish letters with inappropriate characterizations, with racist expressions, letters that manifestly misrepresent reality. We also do not censor letters expressing views different from our own.

3. The only escalation observed in the local news is in the problems of water supply as a result of the continuous announcements of the Municipal Authority (see the Municipality's website), the announcements of the opposition and the protests of citizens and holidaymakers. The media do not cause the problem! They record it. I assume that you do not wish to suppress reality.

General, you can refer to our website to see (although I think you already know this) that we publish everyone's views and positions, especially those of the municipal factions, when they are sent to us or when there is a public statement.

We would be honoured to receive your views and positions when you take the time to share them with our readers. I am sure you are aware that in the Republic the 4th Power controls the previous three, without «blessing» them». We declare that we will continue to check all authority, that is our role.

I wish you happy birthday and good health, on behalf of our entire editorial team.

Ippolytos Prekas

P.S.1: Since in the meeting you referred to a case where Justice is investigating the Administration and the Municipality's Services, I am at your disposal to inform you extensively with the data available to me.

PS 2: My personal involvement with local government is my right and will continue. As a permanent resident of Kythera for the last eighteen years I believe I have that right. If at some point for family reasons I am forced to move to Athens, then I will reconsider...