letter to the editor – Page 3

Here’s a post I wrote about writing letters to the editor while working as a proof reader at a local weekly newspaper on Oct. 20, 2012. The newspaper in Iowa’s second largest city continues to print letters to the editor and guest opinions daily. The main newspaper in the county seat practically eliminated printing letters to the editor, now doing so maybe two days per week. Weeklies, like the one where I worked, are challenged with loss of advertising, consolidation with other newspapers, and an uncertain future. They welcome this free to them and engaging to their readers content. Letters to the editor of local newspapers play an important role in political campaigns and about anything else going on in small cities, towns and school districts. While it continues to exist, the letter to the editor is an effective way to gain readers’ attention. It reaches many multiples of the daily views a blog like mine or a social media post reaches.This is reprinted with limited editing.

Just returned from my job at the newspaper, where I had to work longer than usual to get through a spike in submitted letters to the editor… election and all. Many topics, some letters better written than others. Some writers I know well, others, not so much. More well written than poorly written, in fact all of them were understandable.

Which leads me to the question of why these same writers don’t take advantage of this forum, except when they have an axe to grind, cause to promote, or we are two weeks from a general election?

The small slice of the community that still reads newspapers is one of the most intelligent and articulate parts of our society, believe it or not. As a lowly proofreader, I earned extra pay for my time, so am grateful this day. But I know from experience the volume and time will drop off dramatically after the election.

So for Pete’s sake, spend 30 minutes a month and write a letter to the editor. You will feel better and it keeps us piecework wage earners in the green.

The auditor sends out the first vote by mail ballots Oct. 5. I can’t wait to get mine. I’m hoping Democrats sweep Iowa yet the races are tight.

The Des Moines Register released a poll saying the presidential race is tied. What’s curious is Biden leads Trump by 20 points in every demographic of women and Trump leads Biden by 20 points in every demographic of men. If you want proof women are smarter than men there it is.

I’m voting for Theresa Greenfield for U.S. Senate because she’s smart and disciplined. During my interview with her this spring she stayed on message. She remains so despite the buckets of tar outside groups throw at her. Greenfield also understands the risk reelection of President Trump poses to Social Security. Trump would eliminate payroll taxes and bankrupt the trust fund by 2023. Greenfield is engaged, tough, independent and persistent.

Rita Hart is a farmer and former teacher. During her opponent’s three previous campaigns I spoke with Miller Meeks at parades. There is really no comparison between the two. Hart has the experience Iowa needs, the energy to get things done in the Congress, and she puts people over party.

Lonny Pulkrabek is the change we need at the statehouse. I like Bobby Kaufmann personally, he’s a hard worker. At the end of the day he votes with Republican leadership which is taking the state in the wrong direction. We know Lonny has the experience to make a difference in the Iowa legislature.

Please vote on or before Nov. 3.

~ Submitted as a letter to the editor of the Solon Economist