A Changing Review & Change of Leadership
If you’re reading the Review in-print or online and thinking something seems different, you’re spot-color on! A few months ago, I was pondering format changes to improve the look, feel and readability of the Review. The result before you is a new format with 32/36 pages in full-color, a new centerfold town map, crisper color, bindery staples, new cover graphics and a host of other behind-the-scenes technical upgrades. The credit for making this happen belongs to a yeoman’s effort by our talented graphics editor Andrea Yancey and our partners at Valley Web Printing, who worked together to pull it off! Big thanks also go to Cammy Davis, a wonderfully-talented Jacksonville artist, who hand-drew our new, colorful town map.
As you know, The Review’s mission is to be a community resource spotlighting news, events and the people who make our town tick. This publication is only possible thanks to our passionate, volunteer contributors and our generous advertising clients. Please say “thanks” by frequenting our local business partners who support the Review.
In addition to my duties here at the paper, I’m also politically active, working openly and behind-the-scenes to affect what I view as positive changes for Jacksonville. Unfortunately for me, the control I have over the newspaper format doesn’t transfer to the political arena!
Political season is here. In the November election, voters will fill 3 open City Council seats and the Mayor’s post. (Jackson County mails-out ballots on October 19) Currently, the 3 seats filled by Councilors Donna Schatz, Christina Duane and David Jesser. Councilors Schatz and Duane have opted not to re-run for office. Donna Schatz is retiring after many years of public service and deserves everyone’s thanks. Christina Duane is amping-up her music career and going on-tour, and will be unavailable to serve at this time. However, the Review is pleased that Councilor David Jesser, who has distinguished himself while in office, will be running for council. Finally, in the mayoral race, Councilor Jim Lewis will be challenging incumbent Mayor Paul Becker for that post.
Save the dates! In October, we’ll feature responses to our “Candidate Questionnaire,” posed to all candidates. And, on October 9 at 7 p.m., the Review will host a 90-minute, moderated “Meet the Candidate” question and answer session at Old City Hall. The format will include separate Q&A sessions for council and mayoral candidates plus questions from the audience. If you have a question to pose, email it to me at Whitman@thejacksonvillereview.com.
I hope you’ll join The Review at this lively and important community event in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!