Recently a local elected official took to Facebook suggesting that letters to the editor from certain individuals should not be published. The post also suggests contacting the official to get something done about it.
Perhaps I should explain how this works.
Each day we publish our editorial policy on the editorial page — some basic rules include that letters can be edited for grammar, length and libel and can also be rejected for a number of reasons. Letter writers are allowed to submit one letter every 30 days — in the spirit of rotation. Another item people often forget is that letters should not exceed 400 words.
For the most part, this is a very routine part of my job. I’ve been processing letters to the editors for the better part of a decade.
Elected officials, by nature, are put under public scrutiny. Oftentimes letter writers want to persuade you, with their opinion, to vote for their chosen candidate. Other times they want to cheer on a politician’s efforts, and many times letters will express disappointment.
In my career I can recall publishing notable criticism of mayors, police chiefs, legislators, members of Congress and of course, the President of the United States. I can also recall letters that were critical of friends, candidates I personally voted for and members of my own staff. I have published dozens of letters that I don’t agree with — my personal opinions do not influence whether letters are run in the paper.
Last fall, I was surprised by the volume of letters we received about local candidates prior to the election. One day we published two full pages of letters. While it was a little extra work, I was excited about it. Voters in Jasper County are passionate about politics and their elected officials.
On occasion, people will call and ask me for both our letters policy (the general rules I described earlier) and advice about writing about politicians. This is more common immediately before an election. I always encourage writers to express the positive points of their candidate and why they are voting for him/her — without attacking an opponent.
Why do I do this? To begin, it’s rare to see a letter that demonstrates a candidate’s experience and credibility without drawing out the negatives of voting for the opponent. In a sense, I’m issuing a challenge. I also believe it provides better content and a stronger opinion. Of course, it’s just a suggestion. I’ve published hundreds of negative, critical letters about candidates. Unfortunately, that seems to be the norm these days.
A newspaper’s editorial page is an important venue to showcase a variety of views. Some may spark community awareness, get people talking and get things done. Others simply offer that person’s unique opinion of policies, procedures, community or life.
The opinion page features a broad range of opinions from cartoons to guest editorials. I’ve done my part to try to balance which syndicated columnists we publish — a lineup which includes a libertarian, liberal, conservative and populist, and I always welcome feedback on those selections.
Meanwhile, the newspaper as an institution will on occasion take a stance and express the opinion of our editorial board. I’m also pleased to feature columns by my editorial staff that are sometimes fun, other times serious, but always connect you to the people telling the stories of your community.
We have and will continue to publish letters critical of elected officials — we believe that’s part of the opinion page dialogue. Also, it’s simply one part of being elected by a public constituency.
In the newspaper business, it is easy to see when people are enjoying the limelight, but not the spotlight. This will not persuade editorial policy.
Should you have questions about any of our editorial practices, or any of the items outlined here, I would suggest you contact me — that's my job.
Contact Abigail Pelzer
at 641-792-3124 ext. 6530
or apelzer@newtondailynews.com