Possibly for the first time in the 100-plus years of journalism in Grand County, support letters for local candidates will no longer be allowed in our community newspaper. This new policy published recently in the Sky-Hi News, our only county paper, constitutes a disservice to Grand County voters who care enough about elections to seek all information available concerning candidates and ballot issues.

When I served as political editor of the Winter Park Manifest in the late 1970’s and early 80’s our election coverage included extensive interviews with candidates, informational articles concerning candidate positions and their public service records and finally, in advance of ballot availability, an editorial supporting chosen candidates concluded our election coverage. We also took editorial positions on ballot issues which affected local voters.

Of course, local election coverage included letters written by those who had opinions concerning candidates and ballot initiatives. I would implore the Sky-Hi News to let the people be heard.