We're not so different
Reading other small-town newspapers, I've discovered Marion isn't so different. Those newspapers report the goings-on of their cities, counties, and school boards — good and bad.
The front page of one newspaper reads like a police blotter from a big-city daily — "Arrests lead to break in burglary ring" "Police search for missing man" "Teacher charged with indecent liberties with a student" "Man arrested on murder charge." These headlines were all on page one.
Other newspaper reports include controversy between city and county commissions over airport expansion, the determination of public nuisance properties, economic development, road repairs, wastewater projects, the sheriff's department budget, school improvements, annexation, sales tax increases, and the list goes on and on.
Do you see any similarities here? Marion has the same issues and this newspaper covers the same type of news.
People rarely call to tell us we've done something right. On the other hand, it's a weekly occurrence to hear about the mistakes we make or things readers don't like. We apologize for the errors, accept the criticism, and try to do a better job the next week, and the next, and the next, and the next.
There have been a few recommendations to the editor that it's about time to pull the plug on the Your Turn column.
A few readers are upset that people are using the column to take cheap shots at others. A few more don't like the fact that the comments are anonymous. And some are just plain mad that people have something to say that isn't all peaches-and-cream.
So, readers, what do you think? Is it time to pull the plug? Has the column outlived its effectiveness? Have we stepped over the boundaries of good taste by allowing this column to continue?
Before you utter a swift "yes" or "no," consider another point of view.
First, not all folks feel comfortable signing their names because they fear retaliation to their businesses or families. The column provides an outlet for those folks.
Secondly, not all these comments are anonymous. Many come by e-mail. I know who sent them and the bulk of them come from honest, hard-working members of this community who haven't had any luck getting their voices heard any other way.
And last but not least, if there really are this many comments — positive or negative — about issues then maybe it's time for the powers that be to listen to the people.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
