Winnipeg Free Press > Local > Something bugs me about this

Local

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Something bugs me about this

Entomologist needs permission from city for profile interview

By: Gordon Sinclair Jr.

Posted: 03/29/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS archives 2011 was the best and worst year for city entomologist Taz Stuart. Now, I can finally tell you why.

Enlarge Image

KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS archives 2011 was the best and worst year for city entomologist Taz Stuart. Now, I can finally tell you why.

I was still on vacation in late January and sitting in a bar when I ran into someone you probably know to see, but don't really know.

Taz Stuart is the rock-star handsome face of insect control in Winnipeg, and the head of the largest mosquito-control program in Canada.

He's in the news a lot, but I probably see him and his signature long wavy hair more than most of you, because we shop at the same neighbourhood Safeway and frequent the same bar.

As a result, I also know more about him personally than most of you. That's because in the nearly eight years since he was hired away from the City of Regina to wage environmentally friendly warfare on mosquitoes, Taz Stuart has never been profiled in the media.

Why not?

Well, I can tell you it's not because Taz doesn't want to talk about himself.

Which brings us back to that day in late January when Taz and I chanced to find ourselves sitting next to each other. Even though it was the middle of winter and we were both officially off duty, the conversation turned to mosquitoes.

And then, something I was more interested in.

Taz himself.

Of course, as anyone who enjoyed our virtually mosquito-free summer can appreciate, 2011 had been the best of years for Taz professionally. But as I soon learned, it was the worst of years, personally. Unfortunately, at this point, I don't feel at liberty to tell you why it was the worst of years for Taz Stuart.

Or even what he has been fascinated by since he was a little boy playing in the backyard dirt, although you can probably guess. I can't tell you where he met his wife, either, and why he feels such loyalty to Safeway. I can't tell you any of that -- at least not yet -- because Taz said first I had to get permission from the city. He said he didn't think I'd get that permission. And, it turned out Taz knew of what he spoke.

As I write this, I'm waiting for the city's communications department -- its media handlers -- to explain why they won't permit Taz to talk to me or anyone else in the news-gathering business, about matters personal.

That was evident after I emailed the request to the city asking for an interview with Taz that would combine a profile on him with some lessons learned from last year's perfect summer.

The city's media-handling department responded by saying Taz could speak to the insect-control program, "but not matters in his personal life."

That explains why I've never seen a profile of Taz Stuart.

Baffled by the response, I called a labour lawyer and asked him what legal right the city has to invoke that kind of censorship on its employees. He seemed as dumbfounded as I was. So I emailed the city again asking the same question. And whether Taz not being permitted to speak to the media about his personal life extends to all city managers and employees?

This was the city's emailed answer.

"It is our practice that when city employees are interviewed as subject matter experts, they do so representing the City of Winnipeg, not themselves as private citizens."

Their "practice?"

On Wednesday, I challenged the city for more clarification about its "practice."

This time, the emailed response came from the manager of the city's communications department, Steve West. The top man's bottom line was this.

"Should you wish to approach Mr. Stuart, or any employee, for an interview as a private citizen, you may of course do so."

Really?

That may sound like employees such as Taz Stuart can finally feel free to do profiles, but the reality might be different. Later, I called West and asked specifically if he was granting Taz permission to speak with me for a profile.

West said that was between Stuart and me.

What I didn't hear was a "yes."

In any event, I'll take that as a yes.

So, since obituaries published in newspapers are paid for by families and are public information anyway, I feel free to at least share something personal Taz shared with me as we sat beside each other over a beer.

Last spring, as Winnipeg's entomologist was preparing for the best mosquito-control summer in memory, both his parents died within a month of each other in Regina. Wayne Stuart was 71, and Bernice Stuart was 70.

So, at least now you understand why 2011 was the best of years and the worst of years for Taz Stuart.

What I still don't understand, though, is the media control of the city's top bug expert.

Apparently, it's not just our mosquitoes that need a good slap.

 

gordon.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 29, 2012 0

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Raw: Bomb squad investigates package on Portage Ave

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • Hay bales sit under a rainbow just west of Winnipeg Saturday, September 3, 2011.(John Woods/Winnipeg Free Press)
  • A red squirrel peaks out of the shade in a tree in East Fort Garry, Sunday, September 9, 2012. (TREVOR HAGAN/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Which of these everyday math tasks could you tackle without a calculator? (Select all that apply)

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google