FAIRNESS REMAINS A NEWS GOAL

The Southeast Missourian recently wrapped up its coverage of one election and is looking ahead to the next. While the ballots change, it bears noting that this newspaper's commitment to covering elections does not: the Southeast Missourian makes every effort in its news columns to regard every election issue in a fair, accurate and complete manner. This pledge is long-standing and will not change.

Peter Kinder, the Southeast Missourian's associate publisher, is seeking a seat in the Missouri Senate. He is taking a leave of absence from this publication and will return to his job following the November election. While he was not required to do so at this point, he has elected to put his personal column on hold. He is not exiled from these offices, nor is any candidate, but his campaign will not be run from the newspaper building. He has set up a campaign office elsewhere. He will not participate on the Southeast Missourian's editorial board during his leave, and he will have no hand in the gathering or dissemination of news. The direction given to the news staff is to treat the Kinder candidacy just like any other, and our labors will be dedicated to this aim.

The Southeast Missourian does not discourage its employees in matters of participating in community or civic activities, and it is the right of citizens to participate in their government. However, it is the duty of this publication to provide a balanced reporting of news events. We promise to continue in that endeavor.