Sowa’s departure a loss

Tom Sowa, one of the most professional and experienced newspaper reporters in the Northwest, has retired. The Spokesman-Review has lost a true asset.

Sowa covered my 1998 Spokane County District Court judicial race. He was a real gentleman, taking the time to read and discuss with me the press releases I filed. He was very knowledgeable on how the court system operates and was able to write articles to enlighten the public on why judicial positions are so important.

He was assigned to write three articles during the campaign. Although I did not prevail in that race, I felt I had been treated fairly and the voters made fully aware of all my legal experience, including military judge advocate service.

Last year, only one article for each of the contested judicial races was the norm, with two of the four being published after the ballots had been mailed. Not fair at all. Over 40,000 voters who voted for other candidates completely bypassed the judicial candidates.

I feel the quality of The Spokesman-Review’s reporting has diminished. Sowa’s departure is a loss to those who still appreciate thorough and accurate reporting. He could and did cover any kind of story.

James Reierson

Spokane