Does our opinion page have any relevance and worth to the community? Absolutely!

In large part, this is because our opinion pages reflect the opinions of our readers (and, sometimes, non-readers). In the first four months of this year, we have published 136 letters. That's 136 diverse voices speaking on a multitude of issues that range from HIRA fee increases for campgrounds, no fish stocking in the Kern River, squabbles within Kern Valley Healthcare District Board of Directors, the status of the Skilled Nursing Facing and its personnel, to gay marriage, political statements at the Whiskey Flat Days Parade, the state budget crisis, pet overpopulation, just to name a few.

The purpose of our opinion page is to foster constructive and intelligent debate. We aim to give the Kern River Valley a place to talk to itself. Words are put to paper, ideas take form and substance, and we hope that this substance nourishes the thoughts of our readers. At times, we aim to be provocative and challenging, and to provide a strong point of view for your stimulation.

We do not agree with every outside opinion we publish on our opinion page, nor do we expect that you always will - or perhaps ever will - agree with those we express.

The Kern Valley is a wonderful place to live and work, but it has challenges. A good local newspaper offers, in addition to news reporting and other information -a discussion forum that allows public access to a large and engaged audience.

Our opinion page provides just that. We remain steadfast in our belief that the free expression of ideas and opinions serves the public's interest, and that newspaper opinion pages are an important and necessary ingredient of a healthy democracy.