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LETTER: Are we losing our identity in Hope?

Editor:
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Editor:

I have been a happy subscriber to the Hope Standard for many years now and much enjoyed reading the excellent reporting on the comings and goings in and of our great town.

However, I have noticed a disturbing trend of late which troubles me and I think needs and explanations and attention from Black Press. The last editor, Emelie, left approximately one year ago and since that time the paper has had to valiantly carry on without one. A reporter was brought in but isn’t a local and in fact any observations from that party have been few and far between of late.

The community paper has an enviable and justifiable record of accomplishments over many years, including winning several Ma Murray awards, yet recently the reporting seems to be veering away from our own special personal identity. Ads are reflecting more and more business in Chilliwack and many of the articles printed are actually just repeats of those reported in the Chilliwack Progress newspaper.

Evidence: The community report in the Sept. 12 edition regarding the child therapy camp conducted annually in Rosedale. A very worthwhile endeavour with a two-page spread, yet our very own Camp Skylark gets not even a mention. Why is this?

Mr. Black Press, we have no interest in becoming a bedroom community for Chilliwack. Our unique town wishes to stay just that way and would ask you to provide us with our own editor as in the past, so we can become us again.

Your paper and views are very important. Please don’t let us down.

Wes Chaulk