During 2006, The Telegram has strived to create a gathering place where people from all walks of life could share their ideas and philosophies. In countless conversations, we've encouraged readers to send us letters or longer opinion pieces to be published on our editorial pages, which we've strived to develop into an open forum.
The response has been encouraging. Reader submissions have helped to raise the level of awareness about numerous issues, including the school bonding, historic preservation, condo construction and stock car racing.
Last fall's elections also stimulated considerable discussion. We anticipate, and hope, the upcoming mayoral race will do the same.
Citizen involvement is key not only to community health, but to newspaper health. It's a needed ingredient in the process of formulating balanced and logical editorial positions. In the past, The Telegram has not reached outside as part of that process. But we'd like to change that during 2007.
Our goal is to include a community representative on our editorial board, which currently includes Editor Ron Brochu, Publisher Ken Browall and News Editor Shelley Nelson. That person would participate for six months and help formulate positions on a variety of local and regional issues.
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Board members would gather about once a week, and likely exchange thoughts via phone or e-mail even more often.
Would you be interested? If so, please send us a letter expressing your interest, availability and background. We're looking forward to this expanded reader involvement as The Telegram moves into the new year.
