To the editor:
I was disappointed to see an imposing three-column photo that featured state representative candidate Travis Smith on the front-page of Wednesday's edition of the Quill. Giving that kind of free publicity to a political candidate is unethical.
Smith is blameless. He knows the value of publicity, especially free publicity, and thought of a way to get some. It is unlikely his opponents will be offered such an opportunity but no one would expect him to pass up creating one for himself.
Kathleen Morrissey, representing the West Plains Council on the Arts board, the other person in the photo, accepted Smith's check for $350 in support of this fall's Ozarks Heritage Festival. The donation is the reason for an article and photo.
Three hundred and fifty dollars is not a princely sum given the size of the festival's budget, and the potential size of Smith's campaign budget, but it buys publicity his opponents won't have the opportunity to purchase. It shouldn't have been available free to any political candidate.
The timing of Smith's donation is evidence that he intended it for soliciting votes as well as goodwill. The festival is not until October.
So, you ask, what could you have done with a situation in which a candidate thinks to make such a donation relatively close to an election? It is newsworthy. You couldn't ignore it any more than any check presentation like others you report on the front page, but unlike them you could have put it on an inside page. And, unlike a three-column photo, you could have used a more appropriate-size article with a one-column headshot of Smith, or a larger photo by itself with information in the caption.
Your judgment is usually better than what was exhibited in this instance. That may make readers think you made a conscious effort to promote Smith's candidacy. I don't believe that; unfortunately, either way, a means to set the situation right doesn't suggest itself.
Frank L. Martin,
Peace Valley
Editor’s Note: The Quill appreciates Frank Martin’s sharp eye and fully agrees with his assessment. The placement and size of the photograph on Wednesday’s front page did not meet our standard editorial guidelines. The Quill does not endorse candidates and regrets any impression of favoritism this layout decision may have created. Going forward, our front-page campaign coverage will be strictly focused on providing balanced, comprehensive reporting on all candidates.
