Dear Editor of NewHartfordPlus,
I have read comments criticizing NH Plus about its political leanings and I just read your recent letter explaining your position on the topic. I am following up on my comments to you last week about the subject. I’ve been involved in New Hartford politics for nearly all of the 40 years that I’ve lived here and here’s what I’ve learned about the news media. Who ever owns the medium, calls the shots. No realistic reader/listener really expects the news media be unbiased. What they print or say (in the case of radio/TV), where they place articles - above/below the fold, on page 1 or 21, which photos they use, all reflect the opinions of the owner of the medium. Fox is Fox, NPR is NPR, the Republican American is what it is and the Hartford Courant is what it is (I’m not sure anymore what that is.) You have every right to report what you want to report. I think it is admirable that you are willing to print different points of view as well as criticisms of your reporting. Having served in public office in many different roles here, I know that it is very uncomfortable, even irritating, to hear or read criticisms of your activities. It used to be, when town meetings were well attended, that those criticisms would be directed to the First Selectman’s face as well as in print. And many times, those criticisms are worth considering since they come from your constituents, your voters. From my experience, a wise public official keeps the press and therefore, the public, informed. More information leads to understanding and a good working relationship. Less information leads to speculation.
I enjoy reading New Hartford Plus. Thanks for publishing it.
Anita Baxter
Steele Road
Anita Baxter is a long-time resident of New Hartford who was First Selectwoman in New Harford from 1981 through 1987. Anita is a member of the Democratic Town Committee.
An early-morning view from the Route 219 bridge across the Farmington River looking westward towards Winsted. Photo from the NewHartfordPlus archives
