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You may notice a few more local voices on the Opinion/Editorial pages this week. Between three letters to the editor and two longer-form column contributions, it's always good to see the thoughts of our own neighbors being published in our newspaper.
My hope is that will continue in the coming weeks, especially as we are a little more than a month away from the general election and I'm certain there are residents who have thoughts on the various candidates and issues set to appear on their ballots.
We do have some policies for our letters to the editor submissions, which can be found on our main Opinion page in each day's publication (Typically on Page 4A). It sets up a word-count limit of 500 words, as well as reminders not to issue personal attacks against individuals or businesses. Letters submitted by noon on Thursday will be considered for publication the following Sunday.
Leading up to the election, we have instituted another deadline. With the election taking place on Nov. 5, the final edition for letters addressing issues with candidates, levies or other items on the ballot will be Oct. 27. As such, they must be received no later than noon, Oct. 24.
We encourage our area residents, as well as those with direct connections to our area, to express their thoughts on a variety of matters - whether they be election issues, actions of current elected officials, activities in your community, or just things you would like to see happen in the region.
Each voice is valuable to the conversations and sharing of ideas and contributes to the discourse necessary for a healthy community.
Occasionally, we'll receive a guest column from a statewide or national organization addressing a topic for West Virginia, or possibly even a member of Congress or someone at the state level of government. Every once in a while, we'll have a piece from one of our legislative representatives.
Of course, I still remember a time when that was a more regular occurrence. Legislators would submit columns every few weeks, and more regularly during legislative sessions, in an effort to provide updates to their constituents.
We would even receive a submission at least once each month from the Governor's Office.
Today, I suppose, they feel it's easier to connect through social media, which I understand. There's still something nice about those type-written, long-form pieces, though, and they can still be done digitally if they would like. Plus, we have a website and social media profiles, too.
We don't want it just to be government officials, though. There are thoughts I've had at various points of getting the thoughts of more local individuals printed on these pages. Letters to the editor are one way, of course, but what about local columns from area organizations?
Several years ago, we had a periodic opinion feature with the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce. I've thought about revisiting that, but including other chambers of commerce, and perhaps others such as the United Way, CVB, possibly our local libraries and museums and more.
We also used to have submissions from some of our high schools. Typically seniors at the schools were selected to write a piece each week about the events going on within their halls of learning, whether it be class projects, school plays, athletics, fundraisers or more.
That went by the wayside as participation dropped away, but if the schools are willing it's something I wouldn't mind bringing back.
So, what do you think, dear readers? What would you like to see enhancing our editorial pages in the future? Feel free to send your suggestions, and we'll see if they're possible. I can be found at the email address below, as well as through social media.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @ChowellWDT)