What are some ways to inject new voices and new ideas on our editorial page?
One avenue is to spotlight an issue each month by inviting two individuals to write a point/counterpoint on the topic. Some issues, such as school levy referendums, are natural for opposing editorial perspectives. Other issues that are likely covered in the news pages are candidates for points/counterpoints as well – for example, proposals for a highway bypass or riverfront development, incentives for economic development, revisions to rental housing codes. This is also an opportunity for newspapers to supplement limited newsroom resources and give exposure to issues that may not receive regular news coverage. On occasion, we reject letters to the editor due to libel considerations. Individuals inevitably criticize our decision on the argument that the newspaper is silencing their First Amendment rights to freedom of expression. How do you respond? The criticism that a newspaper is shortchanging someone’s constitutional right is a typical reaction. The topic of libel is a worthy one fo
