Press Outlines Recall Letter Policy

The Coeur d’Alene Press laid out rules on Sunday for printing letters to the editor re: the recall attempt against Mayor Sandi Bloem and three City Council members: “Our purpose today is not to pick sides in this fight but to define some Opinion page rules as the recall effort proceeds. And No. 1 is, facts rule — yes, even when it comes to opinions. For instance, if a writer says the recall is spurred by the targets’ decision to commit $39 million to McEuen Field improvements, we will send the letter back. Last May 24, the council approved a conceptual plan that could cost up to $39 million over many years, including the replacement facilities for a new boat launch, ball park and so on. That does not mean the council has agreed to spend $39 million. The actual amount the council has agreed to spend is $14.2 million — the amount approved for McEuen’s Phase I earlier this year by the council on a 4-3 vote.” Full editorial here.

Question: Do you agree with the approach by the Coeur d’Alene Press in planning to reject letters re: recall that are factually incorrect? Should I take that same approach here with comments?