To the Editor:

Regarding the recent kerfuffle over The Enterprise and publication of letters relating to the Altamont Planning Board, allow me to add my two cents! Without commenting on the merits of the Stewart’s store request, I’d like to offer my complete appreciation for the work of Editor Melissa Hale-Spencer and her wonderful publication overall.

I’m thinking many of us do not fully appreciate the role that The Altamont Enterprise provides as a local beacon for freedom of expression and freedom of the press in general. For years, Melissa and The Enterprise have bent over backwards to provide quality, in-depth news coverage — as well as a wide forum for local opinion through reader letters and guest columns.

How about the wonderful job The Enterprise did this past winter reporting on the Picard Farm sale “travesty?”  How many of us said “thank goodness” for the Enterprise stories?

Few other small weeklies make the effort that Melissa and her staff do to serve their readers as fairly, intelligently — and, occasionally, humorously. No wonder the little Enterprise has won a lion’s share of statewide and even national publishing awards.

Anyone thinking of cancelling their subscription to this gem due to publication of a single irritating letter to the editor ought to give the thought careful re-consideration — or risk fulfilling the adage of cutting off your nose to spite your face!   

Ed Rosen

Delmar