In the last few editions of the Nelson Star, you may have noticed an increase in the number of letters to the editor. It seems there is plenty on reader’s minds of late and we are pleased to add extra pages to further stimulate the dialogue in the community.
Letters to the editor are an important staple to any newspaper. It’s an opportunity for anybody with an opinion to share it with everyone.
The current glut of letters in our email in-box can be attributed to several issues.
An editorial we wrote a few weeks back about MP Alex Atamanenko and military spending touched a nerve. Many readers didn’t like our take on the issue and have come out swinging. Though we stand by the opinion put forward, it’s always great to get other views on the issue.
The dog by-law is another that has elicited an emotional response and steady stream of letters. Not really a surprise. This community is passionate about our downtown and dogs have long been a contentious issue when it comes to the city’s core. Letters on this issue are split and the dialogue continues.
Bus service, the Valhalla goats, the occupy movement and the current teachers’ strike are also hot issues at this moment. We have run many over the last few weeks and there are even more to come.
A healthy letters to the editor section is a sign of a community that cares. Nelson has never been short on passion and these submissions by our readers help form an important part of the area’s written history.
So keep them coming Nelson. We want to continue to share your thoughts and in turn make others think a little deeper about the issues that are important to this community.