The Times-Journal has some of the best editorials in the state.
That’s what the judges of the New York Press Association’s 2009 Better Newspaper Contest ruled in awarding the T-J first place in editorials in late March.
The T-J won in the division for mid-sized non-daily papers. There were about 60 entries for editorials.
The contest required three editorials from 2009. Written by Publisher Jim Poole, the three pieces were about former Cobleskill Mayor Mike Sellers and former Trustee Bob LaPietra missing meetings; the possibility of Cobleskill becoming a city instead of a village; and parents an students who protested Middleburgh Central School’s attendance policies.
“Bright, snappy editorials with a clear direction,” the judges wrote.
“These are a pleasure to read, especially Poole’s take-no-prisoners barrage against an absentee mayor. Punchy, civically-minded opinion pieces.”
The T-J has won “Best Editorials” several times in the past, but Mr. Poole said the thrill remains the same.
“It’s flattering to be recognized by others in the profession,” he said. “I enjoy writing them––pointing out something wrong, applauding the good things or just making people think, which is really most important.”
Judges for the 2009 contest were from the Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association.