One of many

I imagine that I am one of many writing to you to express my disappointment in your decision to let Mark Sheehan go. You have eliminated perhaps the most interesting, and for many of us, the most relevant journalists on the News-Press staff. I consistently read Mark’s column (skipping only those dealing with the Chiefs moving their training camp to MoWest!) and invariably found something humorous, informative, community-minded, or thought-provoking ... sometimes all of these. I know nothing of the “behind the scenes” factors that led to this loss, but I feel sure that you will not be able to piece out his job, as you stated was your intent, and get anything comparable to Mark’s insight into life in St. Joseph.

Mary Korneman

St. Joseph

Best wishes

from sometime foe

I hope the best for Mark Sheehan and his family. I know that I have not agreed with Mark and his opinions and I made those opinions very well known in my letters to the editor and in my conversations, but I respect the fact he never tried to bury my voice. I also respect his leadership in the community with his volunteer work. I hope he continues to provide his support of our community and I hope the best for Mark and his family.

Good luck, Mark.

Steve Holdenried

St. Joseph

Kay what?

I am very ashamed of St. Joe native Kay Barnes’ comments on the fifth-year anniversary of the war in Iraq. She claims her support for our troops is unwavering, but she won’t even give them credit for making the troop surge a success. As a member of the U.S. Congress I doubt that our troops could depend on her to vote for the funding they need to remain successful in fighting the war on terror.

Brandon Boswell

Chillicothe, Mo.

Too many sore toes?

I was greatly disappointed to see that the St. Joseph News-Press has implemented such drastic measures to improve its financial performance that it had to let Mark Sheehan go. Or maybe the primary reason was to position the company for future growth, whatever that is supposed to mean.

Both of the stated reasons why Mark had to be let go are fictitious in my opinion, and I’m sure that most of your readers can read between the lines. I have a hunch that Mark’s editorials may have been too controversial at times and he most likely stepped on the toes of someone prominent in city government or in St. Joe’s societal elite one too many times.

Whatever the actual reason was for Mark’s dismissal, I feel that the St. Joseph News-Press has lost a fair and honest columnist. In fact, Mark’s columns were more honest than the recent story that reported the reasons why he was let go from the News-Press. Mark’s editorials were always thought provoking and of interest to me and I’m sure that they were for many other readers as well. Mark’s columns were always written without rancor or blasphemy.

So long, Mark. I think that you not only did a good job as a newspaper columnist, but you also gave a lot to the city of St. Joe by helping establish the fine music festivals that many of our fellow citizens have come to enjoy — and for free no less. I’m sure that you will land on your feet.

William Leppert

St. Joseph