Editorials:

Green Valley News will suspend Friday edition in November

The Green Valley News has made the decision to suspend the publication of its Friday edition beginning in November, in order to meet the challenges we face in our industry and in the country. Newspapers across the country, in large markets in particular, are making drastic content changes along with substantial staff reductions.

We decided that preserving our community content and profitability and avoiding staff reductions meant that during this time of economic unrest it would be best to suspend printing Friday’s edition and move the valuable content to our Sunday and Wednesday editions.

It also gives us the opportunity to make improvements as you, our readers, become more involved in the process going forward.

We will be convening focus and/or reader groups in the future and already have begun asking readers to vote on their preferences among our many editorial columnists.

This seems the most prudent way for us to absorb the advertising cutbacks on the part of real estate, agencies, major retailers and developers.

For those readers who have subscriptions, we will work out individual adjustments to ensure you get full value in return for your commitment to the newspaper.

Our loyal readers have weathered much more than this over time and our community will do so, as well.

At a time like this, we can focus on helping our local businesses and residents survive and thrive.

We feel a sincere responsibility to do just that and our efforts will be to develop programs and ideas that bring others here to shop, volunteer and live.

You will see us maintain our strong local coverage, including news about immigration, the border, growth and environmental issues that concern all Valley residents.

Others in our industry have taken steps trying to convert non-readers into print readers.

Over time, we will be continuing to improve our Web site and we will expand our ability to provide quick news summaries and spot coverage online.

We believe that enhancing our product and better serving our readers who love their printed paper and our ever-changing Web site is better than chasing a non-reader.

Voice your opinion

One of the most popular features in the Green Valley News has always been our diverse selection of syndicated columnists.

Marie Cocco, Chuck Norris, Joseph Farah, Bill O’Reilly, Michael Gerson, Mark Shields and Garrison Keillor give our readers invaluable insights and stances on the hot-button issues of the day.

Now, in the spirit of the current election season, we want our readers to decide which of these columnists stands out above the rest.

Clip out the insert below, e-mail letters@gvnews.com or visit www.gvnews.com to cast your vote for your favorite syndicated columnist.

Voting begins today and will wrap up Oct. 31, so the next two weeks will be spent deciding which columnist offers the sharpest prose, wittiest lines and most convincing arguments.

The votes will be tabulated, with the results to be posted shortly after.

Thank you for your interest, and cast your vote judiciously.