LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Local papers vital

There remains, in these days of corporate gluttony, one last bastion of information gathering that is vital to local communities.

That is the weekly local newspaper.

Granted no one in the business will ever get wealthy doing the job, but local newspapers provide the glue that connects the community and makes it stronger.

Local weekly newspapers provide in-depth information on a variety of issues that keep elected officials on their toes, and insure that the founding fathers intent of keeping local government honest is upheld.

On the social scene, parents can count on seeing their children's successes, educationally and in the sports arena, in the local newspaper.

When the Gulf Breeze Sentinel was discontinued, I was very sad, because I knew, just like the well-intentioned Santa Rosa Sun, that there would be a big gap in the information outlet for peninsula citizens.

Vici and Lisa showed great mettle in also seeing the need and having the courage to pursue another "great adventure".

I can sympathize with them the initial difficulties that lay ahead as they went forward, and I admire them both for their persistence and dedication.

Local newspapers remain the last information link that one can trust, just like local government is the only government you will ever be able to trust.

The Gulf Breeze News is just such a product, and I for one, am extremely proud of the publishers and the staff that took to heart the need for a local community connection.

To Lisa and Vicki, and their great staff, rest assured that you are valued, and you are a part of what makes the community great.

Keep up the great work, and congratulations on a successful five years! Aloha,

Don Chinery Santa Rosa County Public Information Officer