Chides newspaper on 'irresponsible' use of words

[Editor's Note: The following was addressed to Spectrum editor Norm Cummings and Spectrum/News-Times reporters Nanci Hutson and Melissa Bruen regarding stories that were published in the Feb. 26 Spectrum.]

I am a Washington resident and peruse the Spectrum weekly. Often perplexed, I find the latest front page somewhat concerning.

"`Balancing act' begins, New Milford leaders debate $91.76 million proposal."

Calling elected officials our "leaders" is irresponsible. This mentality, if not stopped at the local level, perpetuates throughout our society. Please refer to these elected officials as that, or our public servants, acting at the citizenry's will. They are not our leaders.

"Kent Environmental Summit offers green alternatives."

Whether you agree with this movement or not is not the issue. The problem is it has mostly been all talk since 2007 and this article is consistent with that.

If you're going to entitle an article "... offers green alternatives," then the article needs to report the details of the green alternatives discussed. Buying meat, dairy and vegetables from local farms? That's been around for centuries.

All of you should understand and appreciate that words have meanings.

I believe all of you dropped the ball big time that week.

Alan Rosa

Washington