The News-Reporter welcomes letters to the editor on matters of public affairs. It is the policy of this newspaper to be available as a forum for any opinion or point of view concerning issues of general interest.

Letters must be signed and must include a valid address and telephone number. However, addresses and phone numbers will not be published unless specifically requested for good reason. Addresses and telephone numbers will be used for verification purposes. Letters may be accepted by email but an original signature is still required on a hard copy.

Names may be withheld from publication upon reasonable request. For example, a fear for one's personal or family safety, a fear for one's job, or a fear of other retaliation may be grounds for withholding a name.

Letters must be limited to 500 words or less unless specific arrangements for compensation are made in advance with the editor of this newspaper. Letters of more than 500 words may not be considered for publication and may also be edited for length.

No letter writer may have more than two letters published in any 30-day period. Libelous or unsigned letters will not be considered for publication at all.

The editor of this newspaper reserves the right to edit all letters for length, clarity, spelling, and grammatical correctness. However, occassionally letters are submitted in which meanings and/or intent are unclear. In such an instance, no editing will be done and the letter will appear verbatim as submitted. Letters deemed "in bad taste" or those dealing with private, personal or family matters will not be published. Letters attempting to circumvent these or other policies of this newspaper will not be considered. The editor further reserves the right to cut off any series of letters dealing with a single subject.

Letters from or endorsing individual political candidates or parties will not be accepted.

Priority for publication will be given to letters concerning local issues. Letters should be addressed to: Editor; The News-Reporter; P.O. Box 340; Washington, GA 30673.