To the Editor:
For the last 18 months, I’ve enjoyed bringing newsy items to your attention through my column, “Carroll County Collage,” in the Sunday edition of The Repository. Unfortunately, that has come to an end.
The Repository editors have suspended my column because I have decided to dedicate the next four years of my life to public service by running for the seat of Carroll County commissioner.
The editors believe my column gives me exposure that the three other candidates for the position would not have, and that publishing my column weekly could be construed as an endorsement of my candidacy.
As a 23-year employee of The Repository, I completely understand the appearance of a conflict of interest as it pertains to news reporting. It is a higher standard than in other careers, but I do not agree with their reasoning regarding my column.
First, I had not even considered running for an office when I started writing this column. My column was always to be about the achievement of Carroll County residents or former residents, and notices of special events. That was the agreement between editor Jeff Gauger and me from the beginning and one I always kept. Political news has no business in my column, and I never crossed that line and never would. Even if I tried, they could pull it before it got printed, so they have a large safety net.
The three others running for the office all have jobs that they do not have to give up to make an attempt to serve the public. I don’t think I should have to give up a significant part of my income any more than they should be faced with that decision.
Secondly, the fact that these candidates aren’t being asked to suspend themselves from their livelihoods does not, and should not, indicate an endorsement by their employers. Why would anyone think The Repository is endorsing me by continuing to run the column I have been writing for so long?
People are always stopping me and telling me how much they enjoy and appreciate the items in my column and that seeing Carroll County news in The Repository again is a good thing. I agree.
I understand and respect your decision if you agree with the Repository that the column shouldn’t run. But if you believe I should have the right to continue, you can voice your opinion by sending an e-mail to: jeff.gauger@cantonrep.com or don.detore@cantonrep.com.
I don’t know if it will change their opinion, but I would be grateful for your support. Thanks, Carroll County.
Jan H. Kennedy
Rose Township
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