Politicians’ letters policy revised

While Greater Media Newspapers has some clearly defined policies regarding letters to the editor from sitting politicians and candidates during the campaign season, it appears to be time to clarify at least one aspect of our policy during the normal course of business.

Lately, across the board at the nine newspapers we publish in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties, we’ve seen more letters from politicians in which they are highly critical of other politicians on their committees, councils, etc., and are obviously using our letters section to advance their own political agendas.

That is a misuse of our letters page. From now on, our letters to the editor page will be open to sitting politicians only to discuss or explain important issues of common interest and concern to residents in a logical and reasoned fashion. They will no longer be allowed to use that letter to make themselves look good, while criticizing other politicians.

If they want to do that, they can buy an ad.