About Pennyancitizens.com
Your independent source for transparent, fact-based civic information serving Penn Yan and the Town of Milo
100% Independent
Your Watchdog for Accountable, Transparent Local Government
We believe an informed community is essential to good governance. That's why we translate complex government processes into clear, accessible information you can actually use.
Fact-Driven Reporting
Every article is sourced from meeting minutes, public records, FOIL requests, and official documents.
No Political Agenda
We're not affiliated with any party, developer, or special interest group. Just citizens serving citizens.
Community-Powered
Residents like you contribute tips, documents, and insights that help keep our community informed.
Your Privacy Protected
We never sell your data. Anonymous submissions welcome. Your trust is our foundation.
Why We Exist
Pennyancitizens.com exists to inform, engage, and empower the residents of Penn Yan and the Town of Milo through transparent, fact-based civic information and community dialogue.
Our mission is to provide citizens with clear, accessible reporting on local government actions, development proposals, environmental concerns, taxes, and public services—so residents can understand what is happening in their community, why it matters, and how to participate meaningfully in local decision-making.
We believe an informed community is essential to accountable government, responsible development, and a sustainable future for Penn Yan and the surrounding Finger Lakes region.
Inform
Clear, accessible reporting on what's really happening in Penn Yan
Engage
Foster meaningful community dialogue and participation
Empower
Enable citizens to participate meaningfully in local decisions
What We Stand For
Core values that guide everything we do
Fact-Based
We cite our sources. Every claim is backed by public documents, meeting minutes, or verified firsthand reporting.
Transparent
We show our work. We disclose our methods, funding sources, and any potential conflicts of interest.
Non-Partisan
We focus on issues, not party politics. Good governance and community wellbeing transcend political labels.
Plain English
Government shouldn't require a law degree to understand. We translate complex issues into clear language.
Independent
No political party, developer, or special interest controls our coverage or funding. We answer to citizens.
Community-First
We prioritize issues that directly impact residents' quality of life, taxes, and community character.
Who We Are
Pennyancitizens.com is a citizen-run civic journalism platform founded by residents who believe that local government works better when citizens are informed and engaged.
We are not affiliated with any government entity, political party, or special interest group. We are your neighbors—taxpayers, parents, business owners, and community members—who care deeply about Penn Yan's future.
Our volunteer contributors include residents with backgrounds in journalism, law, education, business, and public service. What unites us is a commitment to transparency, accountability, and informed civic participation.
We cover the issues that traditional media often overlook—the details of planning board meetings, the fine print of development agreements, the impact of budget decisions on taxpayers, and the environmental consequences of growth.
"Democracy works best when citizens have access to reliable information about what their government is doing—and why it matters."
What We're Not
To maintain credibility and independence, here's what we don't do
Not a Government Website
We are independent citizens, not government employees. We are not an official source—we're an independent watchdog and information hub. Always verify critical information with official government sources.
Not Politically Affiliated
We don't endorse candidates or advocate for political parties. We focus on issues, facts, and accountability—not partisan politics. Good governance isn't about party labels.
Not Advocacy (Usually)
Our primary role is to inform, not advocate. We present facts and multiple perspectives. That said, we will advocate loudly for transparency, public access to information, and adherence to proper government procedures.
Not For-Profit (Yet)
Currently run entirely by volunteers. We accept no advertising or donations from developers, political campaigns, or special interests. If we formalize funding, we will disclose all sources transparently.
Not Professional Journalists (Mostly)
We're citizens doing civic journalism. Some contributors have journalism training, but most are residents who attend meetings, file FOIL requests, and research issues that matter to our community. We follow journalistic ethics but acknowledge we're community reporters, not traditional media.
Our Editorial Standards
We Cite Our Sources
Every factual claim links to or cites public documents, meeting minutes, official statements, or verified firsthand reporting.
We Separate Facts from Opinion
Reporting articles present facts and multiple perspectives. Opinion pieces are clearly labeled and represent individual viewpoints.
We Verify Before Publishing
Tips and claims are cross-checked with official sources. We don't publish rumors or unverified information.
We Correct Errors Promptly
If we make a mistake, we correct it transparently with a dated note explaining what was changed and why.
We Seek Multiple Perspectives
We reach out to officials, developers, and other stakeholders for comment before publishing stories that involve them.
We Protect Anonymity When Requested
Sources who request confidentiality are protected, though we prefer on-the-record information whenever possible.
How We're Funded
Transparency about funding is essential to credibility
Current Funding Model
100% Volunteer-Run
As of January 2026, Pennyancitizens.com is entirely volunteer-run with no formal funding structure. Contributors donate their time, and basic web hosting costs are covered by founding volunteers.
We accept no donations, advertising, or sponsorships from:
- Developers or real estate interests
- Political parties or candidates
- Government agencies
- Special interest groups
- Businesses with pending applications before local boards
If we formalize a funding structure (such as a nonprofit or reader-supported model), we will:
- Disclose all funding sources publicly
- Maintain strict editorial independence
- Refuse funding that creates conflicts of interest
- Update this page with complete transparency
Questions About Funding or Independence?
We welcome questions about our funding, sources, or editorial decisions. Contact us anytime.
Contact UsGet Involved
Pennyancitizens works because citizens participate. Here's how you can help strengthen our community.
Contribute
Write articles or opinion pieces
Submit Tips
Share story ideas or concerns
Attend Meetings
Show up to public hearings
Join Discussion
Engage in community dialogue
Thank you for caring about Penn Yan's future. An informed, engaged community is the foundation of good government and responsible growth.