As one who frequently reads both the Addison Independent’s letters to the editor and your lead editorial, I value the public platform that the newspaper offers our community. I have experienced virtually open access to your paper for my occasional letters. I am grateful.
That said, I would like to suggest a shift in policy in what I see as a growing trend. Specifically, I am concerned about editorials that comment on letters to the editor in the same edition. I understand that in a small town newspaper keeping journalistic and publishing roles totally separate is difficult. (The New York Times does this by publishing a statement that its Editorial Board and op-ed pages are distinct operations.)
When your editorials claim to correct errors in letters to the editor in the same edition of the paper, it must be recognized that such pre-judgments may be seriously prejudicial for a reader. The practice is a bit like having a moderator at Town Meeting who, before giving the floor to a speaker, tells the audience why what is about to be said is not accurate.
I would like to recommend that the Editor’s practice of commenting on letters to the editor be discontinued, or at a minimum more clearly separated in time and space.
Randy Kritkausky
Whiting