Editor's Notes: We hope change makes us better

Readers like to discuss the Green Valley News everywhere I go and e-mail me with suggestions on a daily basis.

The ability to tweak the content and add features ranks as one of my favorite parts of the job. Publisher Pam Mox, who oversees the operation, has challenged us to produce the best newspaper for our size in the country.

In the last year, the newspaper experienced significant change because of talent on the staff we like to showcase.

We decided to move Regina Ford’s column to Page A2 last year for more exposure. We think she’s an example of what a community newspaper can do best: report on local people, events and trends. Regina’s phone rings frequently with sources telling her about what they’ve done or what they’re going to do. And she turns the information into stories about your neighbors and friends.

With a sports editor as diverse as Nick Prevenas, we wanted to tap more into his knowledge, ability to find quirky details and knack for making predictions. The result was a new regular feature, “The Front Row,” and support for his column, “Open Court.” We also asked Nick to cover University of Arizona football and basketball homes games, especially Saturday contests so you don’t have to buy another Sunday paper to follow the Wildcats.

Many of you have noticed flashier design and bigger pictures as we capitalize on the design flair of Production Manager Graham Harrington, Terry Motycka, Eric Tobias, Sarah Keith, Brittany Hebert and Justin St. John and the eye of Arizona Photographer of the Year Mario Aguilar.

We have outstanding freelance writers living in Green Valley. Two of them, Ellen Sussman and Kathy Engle, each wrote close to 100 stories for us in 2007. Sussman specializes in writing feature stories and frequently produces “Your Incredible Neighbors,” which celebrates the amazing people living in Green Valley. Engle, former editor of the newspaper, knows the landscape and secrets about the area better than anyone.

Before I came here, I knew Letters to the Editor on the Opinion pages were among the most popular nuggets in the newspaper. I have worked at newspapers from Miami to Seattle, including stops in Phoenix and Tucson, and I’ve never seen better-written and engaging letters than we have in Green Valley.

We have tried to add a little national and international context to the newspaper, with copy editor Pat Rueter compiling the “News in Two Minutes,” “The Big Story” and “People in the News.”

Local editorials, which represent the view of this newspaper, center on area and state issues. Nearly every issue in 2007 had a local guest commentary.

I try to keep my Sunday column unpredictable, a mix of personal commentary on local and national issues and occasionally lighter fare, such as the column I wrote on the sights and sounds of holiday shopping.

Not everyone agrees with our positions on issues, but it’s never been our intent to drive any particular political agenda. We would like to help eliminate hunger, poverty and bigotry in Green Valley, but those themes are universal.

Sussman says her acquaintances often ask her: “Is the editor a Republican or Democrat.” I don’t think that’s relevant as long as we work to stay knowledgeable. It is our mission to bring you all sides of an issue so you can make an informed decision.

I hear from readers from every end of the spectrum. One woman told me she was considering cancelling her subscription because of the newspaper’s decision to endorse Sen. John McCain in the Arizona Republican primary on Feb. 5.

On the other hand, I received this nice e-mail from Green Valley resident Herb Furth just before the New Year.

“We wish to compliment you for the well written editorials that appear in the Green Valley News,” he wrote. “Ever since you started writing, we have been impressed with your thorough knowledge of the subject matter.

“Furthermore, we like the way you state your position without waiting for other newspapers or polls to make up their mind. Keep up the good work.”

I wish every e-mail, letter and phone call were like Mr. Furth’s note, but we’re trying.

In 2008, we have some exciting plans. You’ve seen the addition of Relish and American Profile. They will appear monthly. This week, we debut a business column from Green Valley News Marketing Director Mark Bollin.

It’s rare when a newspaper editor and publisher ask someone from the business side of the operation to write a column. But I am convinced that Mark’s knowledge of local business, and his 25 years of experience from working for Fortune 500 companies and start-up businesses, will be unique in Southern Arizona. He will be offering commentaries at least once a month on Fridays.

“If a business expands, moves, refocuses, adds capacity or new equipment, I want to know,” said Bollin, who can be contacted at mbollin@gvnews.com. “If a business makes a hire, gives a promotion, receives an award, breaks a sales record … please let me know about it!”

Mark is enthusiastic about his new role because he’s a facilitator and a passionate advocate for the community who knows how to achieve success.

Our publisher is committed to an improved Web site at www.gvnews.com in 2008. Nick and I will be blogging soon, and you’ll see more local videos and pictures than all other years combined.

I’m sure I don’t have to remind you to contact me with your suggestions. Please know that I read every one of them and enjoy your feedback.

We have you in mind as we move forward in 2008. Watch for even more changes in the near future.

Contact Editor James Bennett at 547-9770 or jbennett@gvnews.com. Respond to this column by e-mailing letters@gvnews.com. Comment online at www.gvnews.com.