To the Editor:

As a native of Southampton County and a former resident of Franklin, I would like to commend Steve Stewart and his staff for the wonderful job they are doing with The Tidewater News.

I view the online version several times each week to check on the goings-on around the area, and I am always impressed with the quality of the paper. The coverage of area events and happenings is always interesting, complete and very well-written.

I especially enjoy the editorial articles.

They’re always topical, well-written and professional. I don’t expect editorials to always be “fair and balanced”. After all, they reflect the opinions of the editor and his staff. While I don’t always agree with their points of view, I am always impressed with their thoughtfulness and the quality of their writing.

I have read The Tidewater News since I was a child (which was a pretty long time ago), and I feel that the paper has never been better.

The articles and letters in the TN allow me to stay in touch with the area and the many family and friends that I have there.

Thank you, Steve, for the job you’re doing. Keep up the good work, and whether we agree or disagree, I Iook forward to your views and coverage of those things that make Franklin/Southampton/Isle of Wight a great place to live.

Doug Marks

Columbia, S.C.