The local weekly newspaper here – the Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel – is a great source of local news.  However, their editorial policies can be rather bewildering.  This past week was a prime example. 

Leading up to Independence Day, a state representative wrote a "guest column".  Initially it seemed to be quite appropriate with a bit of a history behind the celebration of the holiday.  But, about 1/3 of the way through, the real purpose of the "column" quickly become evident – it was a campaign ad sanctioned by the editors of the paper. 

I don't object to legislators being allowed to write editorials for newspapers – they have as much right to speak their mind as anyone.  However, I do object to them being granted what was in essence a full page of editorial space for a campaign ad while average citizens have their letters to the editor limited to 300 words.  Plus, I know this the hard way, you better not go over that 300 word limit or they will totally hack your letter so bad you can't even recognize it!

Anyway, in response, I wrote a 304 word letter to the edtior and it was published in the Sentinel today.  Here it is:

Column or Campaign Ad?

In the June 29th issue, the editors of the Sentinel were kind enough to allow State Representative Judy Solano to write a "Guest Column" about the importance and history of the 4th of July.  I am all for telling folks how important it is to remember where this country came from and how we came to enjoy the freedoms we now have. 

I most certainly appreciate the sentiments included in part of Representative Solano's "column" and enjoyed those non-political portions.  I commend her for her patriotism and I thank her for giving this nation a young man in her son who has fought to protect the very freedoms which we celebrate on the 4th of July.  Her son is one of the many real heroes that have served this great nation in the past and continue to serve today. 

However, in the end this "column" was more of a campaign speech than anything.  Fully half of the "column" was devoted to Representative Solano touting her accomplishments in the state legislature and had very little to do with the celebration of our nation's independence.  Can you tell it is an election year? 

I feel that the Sentinel used poor editorial judgment in allowing the "column" to be published as it was.  Make no mistake, it was a