Editor,

My wife and I, who are new to the area, have read the Whidbey News-Times for about two weeks with interest in becoming a subscriber, but so far I have been very disappointed by the letters to the editor that are chosen for publication.

The recent letters in support of, and in opposition to, President Barack Obama are tired and cliché, and they took space away from more important local issues.

I would have loved to read more opinions about the Island Transit situation than all the great and terrible things that Obama has done, which we all have heard so much about.

And the Wednesday, Aug. 20, edition published a satirical letter about boat noise as a reference to the jet noise controversy.

While you did well to qualify the letter as tongue-in-cheek, the letter was not cleverly or smartly written. Instead, it made light of a serious issue for many families and was offensive, particularly Mr. Acton’s sign-off: “Idiots for a Quiet Oak Harbor.”

While that letter probably provided a good laugh for those who support the Growlers at OLF, it added nothing to the discussion.

As editor, you need to use better discretion in selecting letters to publish that contribute something useful for readers.

People like me, who are new to Whidbey Island, rely on constructive opinions to become informed about all sides of local issues.

If the News-Times continues to either give in to cliche, used-up arguments about things that are not relevant to Whidbey Island, or treats its letters to the editor section as a soap box for offensive remarks about very serious issues, then I will not be a future reader.

David Coleman
Oak Harbor

• Editor’s note: In my reply to Mr. Coleman, I explained that I don’t assign topics for letters to the editor and do not withhold letters unless they fail to abide by the terms of our letters policy. We welcome letters addressing a broad range of opinions on all topics.