I continue to appreciate the Cape Gazette. I look forward to its delivery each Tuesday and Friday, and seldom do I not read aloud an article or letter or viewpoint, sharing it with my family.
Independent, local newspapers are rare treasures. Done well, they foster a robust public square where ideas and arguments flow and collide healthily. When stewarded by a thoughtful, honest broker, the community has the opportunity to see things plainly. Transparency is key. Openness exposes one to criticism, yet it is the virtue by which trust is built and reinforced.
This is why I applaud the Cape Gazette editorial board for publishing their updated policies for letters to the editor and press releases (and their rationale). It is clear the board wrestled with several challenges – things that were obvious to the consistent reader. Adopting local relevance as its true north and holding community-centered journalism as its mission reflects well on the board. It indicates thoughtfulness and focus that cut through the noise of a chaotic election year. This region is struggling through an era of startling growth. Focusing on community invites us to center ourselves on our shared experience.
It also is why I applaud Chris Flood for sharing his experience of reporting on President Biden – and his wish that the former president had granted a local interview. Flood's account was thoughtful and locally focused, as he shared a little of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into his reporting. I appreciate his openness in sharing his and the Gazette's intentions.
Trust is earned. For me, the relatively new ownership of the Gazette continues to reinforce the trust established by its previous owners. Certainly, the Cape Gazette will make mistakes. I absolutely will disagree with some of its viewpoints. I know I will read aloud something that makes me squirm. Such is the delight of a robust public square.
This community is better for the thoughtfulness and openness of the Gazette's editors and reporters.
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to viewpoints@capegazette.com. All letters are considered at the discretion of the newsroom and published as space allows. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt of each submission. Letters must include a phone number and address for verification. Keep letters to 400 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content or length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Letters should focus on local issues, not national topics or personalities. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days regarding a particular topic. Authors may submit a second letter within that time period if it pertains to a different issue. Letters may not be critical of personalities or specific businesses. Criticism of public figures is permissible. Endorsement letters for political candidates are no longer accepted. Letters must be the author’s original work, and may not be generated by artificial intelligence tools. Templates, form letters and letters containing language similar to other submissions will not be published.
