The Journal commended for focusing on local community
Sir: I read with interest and community pride the brief staff article of Feb. 20 about the five Ontario Community Newspaper Award nominations received by The Sarnia Journal.
You and your team are to be congratulated for this recognition, and I'm sure I am not alone in expecting that The Journal will do well at the Awards Gala on April 3rd.
I greatly enjoy your paper, and read it pretty much front to back. I have appreciated the quality and variety of the news reporting, the insightful editorials, interesting historical tidbits, photos, well-crafted special sections, and balance in editorial and community forum give and take.
I also appreciate the attention to detail, total focus on local content and "What's Happening" events, and sensible handling of controversial or sensitive subjects that are often presented by other news media in ways that promote political agenda or for their sensationalism.
I further commend you in continuing to provide this excellent paper to the community free of charge!
Thank you for all the great work you do, and good luck to all in Vaughan.
When you win, make sure it is featured on the front page!
M.L. DeWitt
Point Edward
Turning Lochiel Street into a pedestrian-only block a bad idea
Sir: The plan to close Lochiel Street from Front to Christina and turn it into a pedestrian-only block is NOT in the best interest of the downtown core or the taxpaying citizens of Sarnia.
Parking is at a premium already and with this closure, six regular parking spaces, one accessible parking space, and a truck drop-off space will be lost.
Is Sarnia going backwards? The new angled parking on Front Street has helped, but losing eight spaces hardly makes up for the progress.
The light bulbs installed on Thursday, Feb. 6 have been burning brightly for 24-7 ever since. What a cost and waste of electricity!
London and Thunder Bay closed streets for pedestrians only in their downtown cores. That killed their downtown cores.
Promoters of this plan, please reconsider your "good" intention for a closed block in Sarnia's core.
It will cost wasted electricity, the loss of much needed parking and especially one less accessible space, and lost revenue for businesses.
Respectfully submitted.
Jillian Holmes
Sarnia
Reader thankful for newspaper reporters and the work they do
Sir: Very often when I read any newspaper and earnestly read the article, I stop and ponder now much I enjoy the great reporting of that particular journalist.
Wow, we are so fortunate to have so many great reporters across so many great newspapers.
Investigative reporters are our greatest asset. They are our collective consciousness. They uncover corruption, unethical practices, expose waste in government, etc., along with documenting great and important events, and by inspiring people, help to change our world.
DON'T EVER STOP.
It is also important to hear from reporters who offer opinion articles. They cause you to consider another point of view.
I venture to say giving opinions may cause angst for the reporter if it is unpopular or contrary (though I am sure that doesn't bother them).
DON'T EVER STOP.
Newspapers and their reporters are the lifeblood of a democratic society. There are many countries where the privilege of uncensored, societal reporting is unavailable and crushed by government.
I am so thankful for all those individuals who work in the journalist realm. Fake news aside, I am so glad to see my newspaper at my door every morning. I cannot start my day without it.
It’s time to thank, praise, or hug a reporter. Your work does not go unnoticed.
George Rudanycz
Sarnia