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Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Local Issues Obituaries Weather Archive Revels Etcetera Backpage Hot Topics Most Viewed Forum Photo Galleries Video Readers Polls O-Zone Online Games Movie Preview Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad December 1, 2005 Editor’s Desk Moving ahead as planned with change By Andrew Scot Bolsinger Editor Andrew Scot Bolsinger After two weeks of asking for public input on the proposed policy changes to the Opinion page, the readers board has recommended to the editorial board that the policy be accepted. The editorial board has agreed to this recommendation, which goes into effect today. We wish to thank those that took the time to respond to our initial announcement (Nov. 17, see www.dailytidings.com). We heard from a dozen or so readers total. Only a couple vehemently opposed the changes. At least half applauded them. As a point of clarification, this policy places a priority on issues of local interest. It is not our intention to remove debate on national or international issues. But in times where local issues demand a greater urgency, priority to these letters will be given. We know our readers care greatly about national and international issues. Within the new policy, ample opportunity for expression and debate remains. The most important part of any opinion page is that it truly reflects opinions within the community. We hope to offer a broader spectrum of commentary from a broader spectrum of people. It is our hope that asking for a modicum of decorum in the letters will remove concern from many who have written to me in the past, expressing reluctance about putting their views into print for fear of the negative backlash and attacks that at times dominated this public forum. Contributions from readers of this paper are sure to remain strident, divisive and at times highly critical. This is all of great value to the community, even when that criticism is leveled at us, or by us toward others. But we do hope that we will maintain a level of respect for differences. We thank you again for your interest, participation and yes, criticism of our efforts. --> Copyright © 2006 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved.