The way I do them, editorials begin Wednesday afternoon when I start keeping an eye peeled for a suitable subject for the following week. A suitable subject is loosely defined as something of vital public interest or deserving of pubic interest.
In a good week, I end up with a handful to consider. Other weeks the pickings are slim.
The actual writing is left to the last minute Wednesday morning just in case something pops up but, again in a good week, by Tuesday night I usually have a good idea what the editorial is going to look like.
This week the only topic for discussion is the arrest and resignation of former Great Salt Bay teacher Peter Simonds. For obvious reasons this is a story that concerns the public and we, as the newspaper of record, should have something to say about it.
However, in this case, I can’t opine. I can’t take a third person stance on this subject because Peter Simonds and I share a vital common interest: Our families are intertwined. His children are my stepchildren. My wife is his ex-wife.
For obvious reasons this presents a significant conflict of interest. If this involved anybody else this wouldn’t be an issue. I would probably write something about keeping children safe, talk about the response of the relevant officials, remind everyone that in America, we are innocent until proven guilty and that would be that. Next.
As a news organization, we are treating this story the same way we would treat any other story like it. Following standard practice, I have assigned the story to the appropriate person, in this case our Damariscotta reporter Joe Gelarden. Additionally, because of my personal circumstances, I have taken the unusual step of delegating editorial oversight of this matter to my associate Kim Fletcher. Beyond that, I must recuse myself.
Professionally, my role is reduced to approving the page layout where the story will appear and taking responsibility for it after it prints but I don’t think either will be much of an issue.
Because it’s a teacher, because it involves the safety of children, the State vs. Peter Simonds will command the public’s attention. Therefore it is likely be on our front page all the way through.
Our publisher emeritus Sam Roberts has often said when someone is arrested their name goes in the paper; no ifs, ands or buts: No exceptions. That is the dictum by which we have traditionally operated, and one we will continue.
We don’t make the news, I tell people; we just report it.
Going forward, I cannot and will not participate in the reporting of any stories about this case, nor can I or will I comment publicly.
As a reporter I have written a lot of stories about people in trouble, but this is my first time on the other side of the fence. It’s a surreal experience let me tell you; one I will be willing to discuss at the appropriate time.
Until then, like everyone else, I am going to wait for this thing to play itself out and, until then and for long afterwards, I am going to do my best to make sure my stepchildren feel fully supported and loved.
