Posted by digger the dog on March 08, 2009 at 19:14:18:
In Reply to: Former Chicago Sun-Times reporter passes posted by chicagomedia.org on November 02, 2008 at 19:02:00:
They don't make 'em like Nicodemus. About 10 years ago, I found myself covering Chicago Public Library controversies, and the name that kept cropping up when I searched for background material was Charles Nicodemus. I got it in my head to hunt down his phone number in Boulder and he graciously supplied me with sources and advice.
I was further inspired by reading a profile about Nicodemus, written upon his retirement, that said he treated politicians "as busboys." I thought: Shouldn't every reporter? Shouldn't every citizen? That's what they are. They're busboys, not bosses. They're the hired help. We're the employers. I carried that same attitude into my reporting as well. And I'm proud to say I also disturbed a city official's tranquil night by calling her at home -- since she had snubbed a variety of attempts to reach her at the office.
Thanks, Chuck, and don't raise too much hell uncovering scandal up there in heaven.