After 21 years of writing his column Politically Thinking every other week for the Addison Independent, Eric Davis, professor emeritus of political science at Middlebury College, pens his final column for us in today’s issue.

As a newspaper, the Addison Independent is so fortunate to be able to tap into expert and informed commentary when news items of state or national importance arise, usually by contacting an expert in the field at Middlebury College. We’re also fortunate to have a bevy of columnists who are not only articlulate, but thoughtful and engaging on a wide variety of topics — some serious, others funny, some that touch the soul.

But we’ve been doubly blessed to have Eric contribute consistently to our editorial pages with a political knowledge that has made him one of the top authorities on Vermont politics for the past several decades.

Eric’s columns have zeroed in on state and national politics with a deft nonpartisan approach and a keen eye to pick up on what is often overlooked. He identifies an issue and explains, educating readers as opposed to trying to pursuade them. In this era of political extremes, that lack of partisanship in his columns has been refreshing and always informative.

Readers should also know that Eric’s contribution was exactly that; made in service to the community to help our readers be better informed. We’ll miss his insights and his wisdom, and we extend our deepest gratitude.

Angelo Lynn