Candidates’ profiles waste of space
To the editor:
When I read Viewpoints in the Oct. 24 issue of The Star-Herald I was struck by the letters from Troy Haines and Bob Saucier. These letters are nothing less than free advertising for these two candidates.
Were I seeking office in opposition to either of these two gentlemen (not knowing either one I give both the benefit of doubt), I would not only cry “foul” but insist on equal access. The “Letters to the Editor” section or its equivalent in any free press is no place for candidates of any political office to spread their message. Should an editorial department wish to endorse a candidate, party or agenda, it should do so openly and not under the guise of the public’s free and open access to speech.
Additionally, if I didn’t know better, I might assume (knowing full well what the spelling popularly implies) that perhaps there were no other letters from the public at large from which the editorial staff could select as alternatives to print. But, since my wife submitted a letter last week regarding a decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals which could affect almost every household in Presque Isle (at least those in Urban Residential Zones 1 and 2 with pets of any kind) I know that is not the case. That decision essentially ruled that keeping pets in accordance with the Domestic Animal Ordinance (which defines pets as dogs, cats, birds or livestock kept as pets — the implication being that such pets are allowed) is a Home Occupation. And, since the Home Occupation Ordinance (which deals not with pet ownership but keeping animals as part of a business) specifically states that “harboring, raising or training dogs, cats, livestock etc” are prohibited activities, then it follows that those households with pets are in violation of that ordinance and must get rid of them.
Perhaps, biased though I am, publishing her letter might be more in line with the purpose of a Viewpoints/Letter to the Editor page than an unabashed and flagrantly self-serving letter written by a political candidate. Unless, of course, the editorial staff is unwilling to step on the toes of the powers that be or has a (not very well) hidden agenda of its own.
Tim Cochran
Presque Isle
