The Arrogance of Cory Vaillancourt: Misleading Coverage and Unprofessional Conduct in Journalism

Cory Vaillancourt, Smoky Mountain News, & Terry Ramey

Over the ten-week primary election campaign, Cory Vaillancourt authored a series of articles for the Smoky Mountain News that consistently attacked conservative Republican candidates. These articles were not only misleading but were also often outright false. Instead of offering fair coverage, Vaillancourt chose to highlight difficult moments in the candidates’ lives, portraying their responses as weaknesses rather than recognizing the courage and strength they showed in overcoming those challenges. This pattern of biased reporting raises serious questions about his and the Smoky Mountain News' journalistic integrity and professionalism.

Throughout the campaign, Vaillancourt’s articles focused heavily on negative aspects of Republican candidates’ personal and professional histories. Rather than providing balanced reporting, he framed these moments as character flaws or failures. This approach misled readers by presenting a distorted view of the candidates, ignoring the context and the resilience they demonstrated.

For example, when a candidate faced a personal setback, Vaillancourt dismissed it as a sign of weakness. Instead of acknowledging the candidate’s determination to overcome adversity, the articles suggested that these moments disqualified them from public service. This kind of reporting does not inform voters; it manipulates public opinion through selective storytelling.

Vaillancourt’s arrogance extended beyond his articles. On election night, after results were announced, he sent an inappropriate email to Terry Ramey, an incumbent County Commissioner who had lost his race to a fellow Republican. The email read:

“From: Cory Vaillancourt  <cory@smokymountainnews.com

>Date: Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 10:34 PM

Subject: request for comment

To: <TERRYRAMEY2017@gmail.com>

CC: <kevin.ensley@haywoodcountync.gov>,

<jennifer.best@haywoodcountync.gov>,

<brandon.rogers@haywoodcountync.gov>,

<tommy.long@haywoodcountync.gov>

Commissioner Ramey — You have clearly lost the support of the voters who

elected you nearly four years ago. When may we expect your resignation?

Thanks,

C

What made this email particularly unprofessional was that Vaillancourt CC’d Ramey’s fellow Board members: Kevin Ensley, Brandon Rogers, Tommy Long, and Jennifer Best. This move was not only disrespectful but also presumptuous. It implied that Vaillancourt spoke for the entire community and had the authority to demand a resignation.

The real question is when was Vaillancourt elected or appointed to the role of spokesperson for all Haywood County residents. His email suggested that he believed he had the right to publicly question an elected official’s tenure and demand a resignation. The answer is clear: he has no such authority.

Commissioner Ramey will serve until the last day of his elected term, as is standard practice. Vaillancourt’s demand was not only inappropriate but also ignored the democratic process and respect for elected officials. This incident highlights a troubling sense of entitlement and a lack of professionalism.

Journalists hold a critical role in society. They inform the public, hold power accountable, and contribute to a healthy democracy. This role requires fairness, accuracy, and respect for the subjects of their reporting. Vaillancourt’s behavior falls short of these standards.

His misleading articles and disrespectful email demonstrate a need for a refresher in journalistic ethics and professionalism. Perhaps the Smoky Mountain News should consider reassigning him to the Opinion section, where personal views are expected, rather than the news section, which demands impartiality.

Cory Vaillancourt serves as a reminder that journalists must be held accountable for their conduct. Media outlets should:

• Enforce strict editorial standards.

• Provide ongoing ethics training.

• Encourage transparency and corrections when mistakes occur.

• Foster a culture of respect and fairness.

  
  

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