A great sign of a thriving community newspaper is one that strongly encourages feedback.
Issues of local interest are always better when the readers are engaged and passionate.
While social media in recent years may have reduced the number of letters individuals may have submitted, it has been a pleasant surprise to see so many individuals taking the opportunity to share their opinion on a variety of topics.
If 2020 was the year of pandemic, perhaps the common theme across the country for 2021 was pandemic response by government and other health agencies, or possibly vaccines. While the post-pandemic period is still generating quite a bit of interest at the national and state level, the main issue locally that has gotten the lion’s ( — Remember, it’s still March, and if using animal analogies, it’s best to go with the “King of the Jungle” this time of year. I’m not sure where a lamb fits in but I’ll work on that —) share is the future of Perry County Memorial Hospital. Perhaps 2022 is the year when local citizens wake up and devote more time and interest to local issues. This hospital matter certainly has gotten quite a bit of attention lately.
Multiple public meetings have taken place, many with business leaders, and it would take someone hiding beneath a rock for the past several weeks to completely ignore the topic.
I understand why many may have concerns about writing a letter. Perhaps they are relaying an unpopular opinion, are hoping to avoid repercussion at the job or elsewhere. The point is this: It’s a chance to notify and make others aware of something truthful that may be helpful to the conversation. Remember this, too. Letters can be about a variety of topics.
