Letters to the Editor in the Westfield Leader have covered topics from the economy, local municipal budget, downtown Westfield, and much more.
Nothing garners more attention than Letters to the Editor regarding local politics, especially during campaign election season.
Here are a few samples of Letters to the Editor printed by Westfield Leader owner Horace Corbin.
Keep in mind that it was Horace Corbin that responded to the author of a Letter to the Editor that he refused to print, “Letters to the editor are for subscribers to discuss community issues in a productive manner.” See related article: http://07090.blogspot.com/2019/09/westfield-leader-newspaper-rejects.html
In reading the following samples of Letters to the Editor, ask yourself, how is the author of some of these letters "discussing community issues” in a “productive manner?”
Is calling people "Brindle's Bullies" and labeling the mayor's efforts as "BrindleSwindle," productive?
Tap on each photo for clarity.
Tap on each photo for clarity.
It would have been nice if the Editor of the Leader at least made it seem like the paper was even-handed and not biased. At a time when a paper like the NY TIMES has debased itself, one could hope that a small town publication would lead the way to free exchanges of ideas and positions.
ReplyDeleteIt might have been instructive to be able to point to a paper, obviously in favor of Mr.Bodner, and see that his opponent's letter appeared next to his. It would have been refreshing to see an interview with a candidate which actually uncovered something new. The questions all seem to be written out by the candidates and handed to "Charlie McCarthy" five minutes before the interview.
If you're running for office in Westfield, I guess it pays to advertise with the Leader before you declare your candidacy.