To the editor:

Though it may not legally be libel per se, it is unethical journalism (especially in such a small community) to effectively impugn a man’s name based solely on the hearsay evidence of a recently fired employee. The allegations against Bob Snyder have been dismissed by the city and personally denounced by the mayor. It is beyond me why you would then give them so much play.

This story was undoubtedly newsworthy, but should have been covered with more care and respect. You have made a sensationalist “corruption in city hall” story about a private dispute.

Bob Snyder’s personal defense was buried on the page and was largely paraphrased.

The fact that McArdle refused to comment on her allegations to the paper is also buried.

It appears from the city’s action that changes were in order in accordance with the economic downturn. Those changes have been made.

It is not the place of a small community paper to sponsor defamatory personal attacks.

Sam Lungren

Freeland