MAILBAG:

I read Debbie Cook’s Community Commentary (“Let readers name the true hypocrite,” May 15) with interest, and agree completely. This whole matter came up as a result of Cook’s candidacy for Congress, and the Independent would do better to focus on the manifest shortcomings of her opponent, Dana Rohrabacher, than nit pick about things it knows full well are immaterial to her serving this district honestly and responsibly.

The editorial policy sometimes descends into high school journalistic practices because it actually knows little about what is really important to its readers here in Huntington Beach. It has a chance to redeem itself this election year by focusing on issues that really matter to constituents here on all levels. It needs to ask tough but fair questions of those seeking elected office. It should not be distracted, as we have seen on the national level in the presidential primaries, by focusing on petty, inconsequential, or trivial topics.

We need a well-attuned local newspaper to act as a true forum of ideas and views, and the Independent can serve this purpose admirably if it chooses. Let’s hope it chooses wisely.

Tim Geddes