LaGaceta Loses Relevance

You gotta love Patrick Manteiga. Owner and publisher of the financially strapped LaGaceta newspaper, Manteiga was today quoted in the St. Pete Times as saying Buddy Johnson spent too much “voter education” money on LaGaceta ads during the past campaign cycle.

To be clear, Manteiga never refrained from taking the Elections office money. To be clear, Manteiga never published an editorial questioning the volume of those ads or use of that money. Only now, after he has cashed all those checks does he have a concern.

Truth is, if the City of Tampa or Hillsborough County government quit thinking LaGaceta a legitimate newspaper instead of an entertaining community weekly, and if they then pulled all legal notice ads, Manteiga would have to close up shop in a New York minute. That would be a shame to the legacy of his dad as well to the history of Ybor and West Tampa, but it is still the truth. Without advertising that is somehow politically motivated, LaGaceta is doomed.

I will also say, now, that I hope LaGaceta stays in business for quite a while. Manteiga is a bright guy and a great writer. His “As We Hear It” columns, though biased, are amazingly insightful. His advocacy for Hispanic issues is relentless and focused. Good job! And, LaGaceta will continue to be a wonderful source for me and this site. I love the fact that Patrick would endorse a sack of turnips for office if they have Democrat roots.

But, Mr. Manteiga keeps trying to hold the same political and community clout as his father….and those days are gone. LaGaceta no longer is the maker of local kings, and Manteiga must be frustrated.

posted by admin @ 6:54 PM