Editor’s Notes

I heard from more than one person that the editorial in last week’s newspaper concerning legal fees was credited to someone other than me.

I know that people sometimes refer to letters to the editor as editorials, and I usually don’t correct people because it appears rude.

Letters are opinion pieces, but the definition of editorial illustrates that it reflects the opinion of the management of the newspaper..in this case, yours truly.

As a matter of fact in my Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, the first definition reads: “an article in a newspaper or other periodical presenting the opinion of the publisher, editor, or editors.”

Therefore, I was really surprised when I learned I cause confusion on the rare occasion when I write one. I must admit, as many of you know, I am a terrible procrastinator.

I think about writing editorials on local issues all the time. But, usually I run out of time or out of steam before I get them written. As a matter of fact, last week’s editorial was the result of much research into what was to be a general news article. But, as I learned more, I became more opinionated.

And, the editorial said that the county pays some $60,000 a year for legal services. In actuality, the county has budgeted $80,000 this year for legal fees. It’s amazing what difference a few years can make. Just to think that four short years ago Danny Roberts represented the county for a mere $6,000. I guess things have gotten more complicated since then.

When I learned the city of Monticello was seeking new legal counsel, I became concerned. I sure hope the city doesn’t fall into the same money pit that the county did.

Apparently out-of-county attorneys demand much higher fees than local ones. I think maybe for all the bad press lawyers get, that the local attorneys represent local entities inexpensively as a way of giving back to the community.

Speaking of lawyers often getting bad press, how about a change? Jehan El-Jourbagy, the county’s youngest attorney practicing here received an award last week for her community service (see related story). Jehan is an inspiration. She and her husband, Tyson Harty, moved back here about two years ago and hit the ground running. If all our young people were so involved, us old folks would have a much easier time of it.

Did I just call myself old? Surely not? It’s still hard for me to believe that I am middle-aged…there’s a whole generation of ADULTS young enough to be my children yet old enough to be responsible, contributing citizens.

But, back to the purpose of this column. One, I wanted my readers to know I wrote the editorial in last week’s paper.

Two, I want to respond to the letter to the editor from Phillip Marks in reference to the lack of coverage of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day march in Monticello.
We are a very small, family run newspaper. We try very hard to be a good, contributing member of the community. We try to cover the news thoroughly.

We certainly respect Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and share his ideals. As a matter of fact, my daughter and I were both at a funeral home in Covington on the evening of MLK day. We talked by phone as we made our way back to our homes in opposite directions.

When I talked to her, the radio was blaring. She was excited. She said she was listening to Dr. King’s famous “I have a dream” speech. My 19-year-old said she had never heard it before. I questioned her, sure that she had. She said she was familiar with it. She had read it. She had learned parts of it, but this was the first time she heard it from Dr. King himself. Then she said, “it should be required listening for everyone.” It was so moving. She felt like it would make a difference if people heard it from Dr. King himself.

We reprinted the speech in The Monticello News that week. I did not hear Dr. King, but I read his words…and they are words to live by. Not for black people…for all people. It can not be repeated often enough.

But, as for the newspaper’s coverage of the local events…all I can say is I am sorry, but I cannot cover things I don’t know about. There was a letter to the editor in that week’s paper that said, why now when it hasn’t been for the last 12 years? When that letter was brought in, I said…”there was a march?” And the writer said yes, even though there hasn’t been in recent memory.

I talked with some friends who attended Springfield Baptist Church on Sunday before MLK day Monday. There was nothing announced from the pulpit, they said. There was no press release or announcement given to the newspaper in advance.

I can’t be everywhere, and will accept criticism when warranted. But, I don’t know how I am supposed to cover events of which I have no knowledge.

Again, this newspaper with its limited staff, tries to cover the news of Jasper County. Certainly every reader has an opinion of what needs more attention, less attention, or what we’re doing right. We appreciate the attaboys and accept the criticisms and try to learn from them. I’ll never please all the people all the time. And some people are never pleased. But, I try.

Please, allow this community newspaper to be the voice of the community. If you know of something special going on in the community let us know. We are the voice of Jasper County. I believe this newspaper is the best way to promote local events. Yes, we need and appreciate your advertising revenue, but we also gladly run public service announcements for free. Some take advantage of that, and some don’t.

We have a wonderful community. The joy of Monticello and Jasper County is that we all love each other, warts and all. This newspaper wants to reflect this community. It is my continual hope and prayer that our community can be the personification of the golden rule: do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

Let’s stop throwing darts and work together, all of us, to make our community something we can be proud of.

And, if you or your church or club or other organization is having a special event, let the newspaper know. We’ll gladly publicize it, and then more people can take part and get involved. That way we’ll get to know each other so we really can call each Jasperite “neighbor.”