Editor's Note: Once more for the people in the back

Correct: We do not have control over letters to the editor aside from making sure they follow policy. Letters are scrutinized from that viewpoint only, not based on content or whether we agree with them. What you see each week is a collection of what the people in this area are thinking.

As for our stories, we take our role very seriously. Journalists report on what is happening. There are many federal policies that are affecting us at the local level, as we often report. Those stories feel political because they are tied to the federal government. If it’s “liberal” to hold the current administration accountable, then I’m not sure what to tell you — that’s what journalists do, and have always done, beginning with the founding of this country. Sometimes that accountability is positive and sometimes it’s negative. But how you view it is based solely on your own biases.

I believe that most people understand that and appreciate what we do. Our staff is comprised of people on both sides of the aisle. All of our stories go through multiple layers of editing and fact-checking to make sure they are free from bias. For those who feel we slant left, I am not going to change our news coverage to make anyone more comfortable. I don’t like the news either, but I’m going to continue reporting on what is affecting our region — the good and the bad.

We have talented staff writers who are committed to this mission despite the fact that it pays very little. I am proud to be the managing editor of this award-winning publication, and I stand by it.