To the Editor:

Thank you for the recent invitation to your readers for input and comments on the content and coverage of what we think of as our local newspaper. I would like to commend you for that.

My wife and I have taken The Tidewater News since relocating to Franklin in August of 2015. We both enjoy several portions of the paper, notedly, the school news and local school sports.

There have been many times when an article by the Riverkeeper has made me shake my head and question the accuracy of statements that are made. While picking up trash from the rivers “we call the Blackwater and Nottoway” is admirable, reading about it in every article is not news. His latest fishing adventures are also not news, unless they are directly related to species populations. We need accurate, educated, grammatically correct, correctly spelled and environmentally sound information to do our parts to care for our rivers. Mr. Turner’s reference to the spirit of his dead dog makes one wonder. This may simply be his writing style, but to me it is a poor, possibly strange choice.

Mr. Howell’s report on travel in Alaska makes one wonder if his trip will ever end.

As for suggestions, I would love to read comments from the local candidates running for office.

A Question and Answer survey for each would be helpful to draw a comparison on their views. We have enjoyed the editorials, but they present the opinion of the writer only. A Q&A survey would help us decide who receives our votes.

I would also like to suggest and request that a sample ballot be published for each election.

Thank you for the opportunity to give you my 2 cents worth.

Gary Leinart
Franklin