Changing

of the guard in newsroom

June 5, 2007

Much as a sentry stands at alert for signs of danger, the editor of a newspaper keeps watch over the community it serves. The editor is responsible for the quality and accuracy of all content and often times is subject to great criticism when readers disagree with the coverage or the opinion expressed on the editorial page.

The editor has to make difficult choices every day in terms of what the reporters will cover and ensure that all stories printed in the newspaper are fair, accurate and complete. The editor must make these decisions in the spirit of keeping the community informed on matters that affect quality of life, taxes, schools and future development, to name a few.

It is the role of a good community newspaper to serve as the government watchdog, much to the chagrin of some lawmakers. A good community newspaper editor understands and readily accepts these responsibilities.

Mark Kelsey is the epitome of a good community newspaper editor.

This newspaper has been fortunate to have Kelsey at its helm for more than two years, so it is with mixed emotion that we bid him a fond farewell.

While we will miss his leadership in the newsroom, we also congratulate him on his new job with the governor's office. If he applies the same tenacity and ethics in his new venture as he did leading this newsroom, he will most certainly be successful.

Gov. Palin, the state of Alaska and its constituents are getting a good man.

While we are saddened by Kelsey's departure, we are pleased to announce Greg Johnson will be joining the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman news team as managing editor on June 11.

Johnson served as managing editor at another Wick Communications-owned newspaper in Montrose, Colo., for more than six years. Most recently, Johnson was regional managing editor for Colorado Community Newspapers, a group of 13 weekly newspapers in the South Denver-metro area.

His extensive experience editing and many years of newsroom leadership will help make the editor transition seamless to our readers.