Times wins hands down over Today

Comparing this morning's editorial columns of the Hernando Times, and the Hernando Today for quality and ethics was an easy task. Jeff Webb won hands down for his tongue-in-cheek, lighthearted editorial. In his editorial, he noted the conviction of all candidates that had offered themselves for public service in this year's primary election. Mr. Webb's column used a light-hearted approach to wind down the hard fought campaigns by all candidates before Tuesday's primary elections. Robert Nolte's column was written with the last minute intent to sway voters, with a innuendos, or inflammatory comments, about candidates his newspaper has opposed throughout this primary election cycle. Robert Nolte used a few catchy words, or phases, in his editorial to dispel doubt on these candidates so voters ignore them at the polls on Tuesday. One phrase used for Rose Rocco, candidate for county commission, district 2 was "closely tied to the county polls that she could be a victim of the anti-incumbent mood". This phrase does not apply to Ms. Rocco since she has never held elective office. Unfortunately, this 11th hour editorial cannot be disputed by this candidate before election day on Tuesday. Mr. Nolte also characterized Mr. Wiggins as the most ineffective school board member in recent memory. Again the candidate cannot dispute these claims before Tuesday. Too bad Mr. Nolte's short term memory is foggy because his own paper endorsed Robert Wiggins in 2002 election. Each election year, both of our local newspapers interview candidates, and then endorse the person they determine to be best suited for the particular office. It sets a bad precedent for any newspaper to use the power of the press to cloud someone's character in a political campaign. Jeff Webb, and all the editors of the Times, have earned our respect from their fair and accurate reporting during this primary campaigning season.