I was saddened to hear that Leslie Brown is leaving The Beachcomber. Of course, I understand that the stress of long hours and an unrelenting schedule must be enormous. I have been amazed and grateful to see Leslie, camera in hand, spending yet another evening at a public meeting or event.

One of the parts of island living that I love is being able to pick up the phone and speak directly to the editor of the paper. Yet maintaining that kind of accessibility and connection with the community has to be stressful, particularly when Leslie, in presenting both sides of a critical issue, would open herself to flak from everyone.

But it was in one of those moments when Leslie and I differed on an issue that I gained a better view of the journalist she is. I wrote a letter challenging her; she took it very seriously. We talked for an hour on the phone. She listened deeply and shared candidly and respectfully. I hung up the phone feeling invigorated and heard, with a better understanding of her perspective. I also learned how seriously Leslie is committed to journalistic standards and ethics, especially as it means reporting objectively in the midst of a community storm.

In these days when the future of newspapers is being debated, I am grateful that it is still alive on our small, community level. I appreciate the hard work that goes on at The Beachcomber and hope that Leslie leaves with a strong round of applause and a big community “thank you.”

— Sally Fox