Where would we be without the paper?

To the editor:

After reading Jack Ronald’s “Back in the Saddle” June 19, I thought for a moment and tried to digest the whole thing.

I realize what he is saying about the price of supplies, reduction in advertising, due to the Internet, increasing labor costs, and many other items running a newspaper is like any other business, you must have sufficient revenue to stay afloat.

I have read, and watched much TV talking about the number of small town newspapers that are either doing once or twice a week instead of daily printing of newspapers. Or maybe not printing at all. Where do you get local news if the paper shuts down? From the coffee shop or beauty salon? Not me.

I, for one, get most of my news from the newspaper. Some TV is so filled with news reporters that want to be in the movies, or just distort or use such strong language that it just turns me off. Consequently I go to another channel.

My wife used to read the paper online. Myself, I like the tangible feel and look of reading from the newspaper. I do not like reading the news from a screen. Guess I am just old fashioned.

I think if he can sell the building and lot, but hold onto the newspaper, I believe this is a very worthwhile decision for the betterment of the community. 

Vicki’s father, Joe Grisell,  always told me when I questioned him about a decision he made on the council, that it was done for the “betterment of the whole community” rather than a few individuals. This also was the thinking and process which my wife believed in.

If she were still around I am very sure she would think that this was a terrific solution to a very messy problem.

She can’t vote but, Jack, you have my vote and support in this endeavor. 

Charles E. Tague

Portland