A Message from the Citizen’s Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Making connections for nearly four decades, one article, one photo at a time

I stared at the glossy photo in the developer, hoping it would be good. That it would tell a story. As the black and white image of a 1995 CHS graduate reciting the Pledge of Allegiance emerged, I remembered I had taken her photo 12 years earlier saluting the flag during her first moments as a Kennedy School first grader. When I placed those two photos side-by-side 30 years ago, I realized the connection I had with this community and appreciated the opportunity to photograph two memorable events in the life of a child. I was there for her first day of school, and I was there for her last. The photos ran in the paper that week under these words: “Turn around and you’re tiny; turn around and you’re grown.”

Beth Erickson

I was once photographing a men’s softball game at Devoll Field when I noticed a baby reaching up to wrap her tiny hand around her mother’s thumb for security as she tentatively took her first steps. The backlit photo was almost ethereal and told a beautiful story. I never forgot that little girl, and 16 years later I looked for her at her CHS graduation and photographed her again just before she walked across the stage to receive her diploma. Two magical moments years apart, yet so connected.

Over the last three decades, the Citizen has run hundreds of photos of CHS grads as young children, making connections, one photo at a time.

The feature articles on the front page of today’s issue only happened because people were willing to share their stories with a newspaper they trust — a newspaper they have a real connection with, a connection built over decades of nurturing that trust, one article at a time. For the last 20 years, Harriet Burak has written a tribute to her son Michael, who died from a heroin overdose in 2004. We thought it was important enough to run on the front page, not only to memorialize her son, but for Burak to connect with other families she could help. (See page 1.)

At its core, however, the Citizen is a newspaper, and the way we cover the news is critically important. As the paper of record for the town of Canton, we are the historical record keepers, and will be a “primary source” for historians in the years to come. It’s a job we take seriously, always working to “get it right.” There are times, however, when the paper’s connection to the community has made it hard to cover a story. During the past 18 months, the murder of John O’Keefe and the trial of Karen Read have divided the community and made reporting very challenging for the Citizen’s editors — who personally knew many of the witnesses. During the trial, people on both sides of the issue criticized the paper’s coverage of the case as being “unfair” or “biased” and some cancelled their subscriptions. Their criticisms are not justified. Our coverage was not only fair, but maintained a great degree of sensitivity (in deference to Canton residents) when choosing what to leave in — or leave out. And as always, we were guided by a strong moral compass.

“I believe that clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism. I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.” This is the creed of journalists, and it’s exactly what this newspaper has done and will continue to do. An internal review of all letters and commentary related to the case revealed just how fair we have been.

If you already subscribe to the Citizen, thank you for your loyalty. We need your support now more than ever. If you do not have the paper delivered to your home, please consider subscribing to one of the last surviving, independently owned newspapers in the country. For 37 years, our front-page banner has included these words: “bringing Canton closer to you.” Your subscription will help us continue to do that.

With gratitude,

Citizen Publisher Beth Erickson

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Please note: In an effort to “bring down the temperature and let cooler heads prevail,” the July 11 issue of the Citizen placed a moratorium on letters or columns related to the Read trial and the police audit. Beginning next week, letters on those topics will be accepted for publication. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. They must be truthful and respectful. Expressing frustration towards town government or organizations is acceptable as long as the tone is not incendiary. Attacking private individuals is never acceptable, but the groups they belong to may be criticized.

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