Democrat and Chronicle from Rochester, New York • Page 23

23A Speaking Out SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2003 DemocratandChronicle.com ROCHESTER, NEW YORK A year of lighting up citizens' views Editorial writing process demystified The past year on the Board of Contributors has been quite rewarding. I've met others on the Board of Con important to you. Serving on the board is a great opportunity to learn about yourself and the community at large. There will be many opportunities for you to meet the movers and shakers of our community and our nation. Serving on the board is a challenging job but well worth the effort.

DERRICK SMITH ROCHESTER Private person took her viewpoints public My experience as a member of the Board of Contributors this year is one that I will never forget. I have nev I. tributors as well as the Editorial Board who have backgrounds, experiences and opinions very different from mine. Also, I've met many poli Chiruck ir mm er considered myself a writer, and if someone had told me last year that I would be contributing opinion pieces to the newspaper, I would have Van Vechten CASEY GATHEY ticians and local leaders who I might not have otherwise. Probably most interesting, though, was getting a better understanding of how those mysterious three editorials appear in the newspaper each morning.

I enjoyed meeting and talking with the individuals behind those opinions. I also gained some insight into how they come up with their opinions. Many times I had read, their editorials and thought, "They don't have a clue." But after seeing all of the different meetings with all the people involved in almost every aspect of local life, I can no longer claim that they don't have a clue, although sometimes I still disagree strongly with what they have written. I always believed that to write effective pieces, you should get close to the community you are writing about. The Board of Contributors is a nice step in that direction, and I am glad to have been a part of it.

STEPHEN CHIRUCK LE ROY Writing columns, clarified her thinking As a working mom of two children under 2, 1 find there are many times when just taking a break to reflect About this page 1 Contributors was the reaction my articles Today members of the 2003 Board of Contributors review their nity volunteer, yoga instructor and nurse practitioner would provide me with insight I could share with readers. I was chal year of service as advisers to the Democrat and Chronicle's Editorial Board. Next Sunday, Speaking Out will feature essays from the members of the new Board of Contributors for 2004. and blogs elicited. After the publication of a number of my Dieces.

I re- Cove lenged by both positive and negative feedback laughed out loud. It would have been a preposterous notion because I have always considered myself to be a private individual; my thoughts and opinions were shared only within my circle of family and friends or over the water cooler at work. I had no notion that my opinions or viewpoints might be of interest to the Rochester community. All that changed about a year ago when I graduated from the United WayAfrican American Leadership Development Program. The program is an extensive nine days of training in how to become a community leader.

Because of this program, I realized that it was my duty to become involved with the community. It was the impetus I needed to become more comfortable with sharing my opinions with the community, and the Board of Contributors proved to be the perfect outlet for me. It has truly been a challenging and rewarding experience. MARCIA VAN VECHTEN ROCHESTER Saw firsthand need for light rail system This year, I have had the opportunity to serve on the Democrat and Chronicle Board of Contributors. Finally, it has been a treat to experience the Editorial Board's openness and encouragement of everyday citizens, like me, to participate and express a point of view.

JACK HEISTER MENDON Shared Asian-American heritage and views With all my busyness this past year, I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to experience the finer One of the responsibilities of a contributor is to write on any issues of concern in a Web log for a month. I felt a lot of pressure in trying to decide what to write about each day. However, it gave me the opportunity to speak from the heart about issues that concerned me. Instead of carrying those issues inside of me, I had the Web log as an outlet to express my concerns and experience freedom in the process. Lastly, being a contributor enabled me to feel more connected to the broader community and to have the community hear my voice.

It is a forum that allows one to be heard, whether people agree or not. CYNTHIA ELLIOTT ROCHESTER Education on issues was invaluable As a pastor and mediator for many years, from Vietnam and civil rights days to the two Persian Gulf wars, on the day's events is a luxury. This year, as a part of the Board of Contributors, I have been able to take time to really think about what is- McCoy ceived feed back in the form of notes, letters and even whole packets of material mailed to me by readers. On one or two occasions, the sender congratulated me on a job well done. The majority of the time, I was admonished for my ignorance and even evil tendencies.

I was fascinated to see that the people who were most likely to respond to me personally were also the most intense. In answer to a blog on war with Iraq, one gentleman sent me an envelope filled with articles and wrote a message on each one. However, I'm really glad to see that people take such interest in the editorial page. It shows they aren't content to be spoonfed "news" from the established outlets. It's encouraging to see that Rochesterians still want to think for themselves.

DON McCOY GREECE Gained new respect for the journalist's job It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve on the Democrat and Chronicle's Board of Contributors. I Cortes complexities of the editorial world and to have my eyes opened to the inner workings behind the scenes. As a Board of Contributors mem to articles I had written, while continuing to respect wholeheartedly input from all readers. Attending Editorial Board sessions with prominent community leaders resulted in my firsthand knowledge on topics pertinent to life here in Rochester. My blog on the Web site was fun, and I accumulated quite a following.

I felt empowered to be able to offer the Democrat and Chronicle comments from numerous and diverse people in the Rochester community. This experience helped me understand that the Democrat and Chronicle is very concerned with the community's response to its coverage. As I provided the paper with topics, editors seemed to respond in their article selection. As I end my year, I hope that my passions, thoughts and personal experiences turned into words that enlightened some and helped others respect differences of opinion. LISA COVE ROCHESTER Asked tough questions on behalf of the poor Being a member of the Board of Contributors enabled me to question people who make public policy deci Lee In this capacity, I have learned many new things.

Coming to the morning Editorial Board meetings, I experienced the hassles of com Tr'l Yost I have been interested in public life and attempting constructive social change. So, participation on the Board of Contributors has fete, Heister have learned a great deal about how newspapers operate and gained enormous respect for what they do. News about sues were important to me and to rediscover precious memories and experiences that have been so influential in my life. In my first column, I was able to finally deal with the impact of Sept. 11, 2001, on my family and used those feelings to decide where I stood in regard to the war in Iraq.

Expressing my feelings on paper made me realize how sometimes we take our freedom for granted. I was also fortunate to have written the piece on "La Aveni-da," the neighborhood where I grew up. Writing this piece gave me the opportunity to relive precious childhood memories with my grandfather that I hope one day to share with my babies who never met him. Sometimes in the daily routine of life it is difficult to stop and really think about what is important to you. Writing these pieces has forced me to do just that and in the process, I've had the chance to enjoy the blessings that God has given me.

MARIA CORTES HENRIETTA Enjoyed serving as community conduit When I first noticed the call to apply for the 2003 Board of Con-tributorsin November 2002, 1 was intrigued. I thought my life as a stay-at-home mom, commu- ber, I went beyond my comfort zone to the political arena. The highlight for me was the flexibility to write a daily Web log this past May, to both educate the community about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and share my heritage and commentary on issues of the day and those dear to my heart. I've received many positive comments from people who know me as well as those who don't. I believe the pen will always be mightier than the sword because we can simultaneously incite, wound, heal, inspire and move people beyond their limitations and views to a greater vision outside themselves.

This experience has encouraged me to stay active in the community, and I will continue to share my voice and endeavor to make a difference in my sphere of the world. MIMI LEE FAIRPORT Gratified for feedback even from opponents One of the things I enjoyed most about my stint on the Democrat and Chronicle's Board of Smith our community sions on local, state and national levels. Primarily, my questions related to issues that affect the poor and Afri- and the world at large is always muting and parking that suburbanites face coming downtown on weekday mornings. In attending the evening meetings, I found how dead downtown can be if there are no sporting or other events. Experiencing both issues facing our downtown solidified my position that our city has a serious need for a light rail system.

That's an idea that has been shelved for 30 years but that now is supported by a group to which I belong, the Rochester Rail Transit Committee. When sitting in the meetings, I learned what really goes on at a daily newspaper, particularly as it pertains to the editorial page. In seeing that some submissions to the Speaking Out page had to be revised, I realized how badly our educational system needs to be improved to also advance our local economy and job base. KEVIN YOST HENRIETTA I'Ti inriiliMjP allowed me a wonderful opportunity to be at the center of understanding the critical issues of the day. In order for the Democrat and Chronicle's Editorial Board to make informed commentary, the members meet and talk with all the public figures involved in the critical decisions.

Being able to attend these meetings and participate in the discourse was a wonderful opportunity. In addition, I have been given the opportunity to voice my opinions to a broad audience through published articles and daily commentaries on the Democrat and Chronicle Web site. Serving on the board has been an opportunity for me to be informed and make a difference. changing. It is the journalist job to report what is going on in the world.

I am honored that I was given this chance to write about the issues that are important to me. I also learned more about our community and I now pay more attention to national and international issues. To those who have been selected to serve on the Board of Contributors for 2004, I say, please consider it your civic duty to write about issues that are tau mucuiaus. Elll0tt I did ask some tough questions. Some of the reporters have teased me about my aggressiveness.

I have taken my board membership seriously and I took advantage of the opportunity to ask these questions on behalf of these constituencies, I also have a different appreciation for what journalists do. Letters to the Editor Big business fuels the decline of city As heralded by the carols and cards of the season, many of us in greater Rochester are enjoying a season of peace, and for that we can be thankful. Others in our region do not have that opportunity. Their streets, front porches and even homes can suddenly be dangerous places. I think of Rochester and appreciate the museums and music, the galleries, the conservatory, the ballpark, all the things that make for a good and fun place to be, but it is increasingly What's your view? We welcome your comments.

All submissions must include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Limit letters to fewer than 175 words. Letters to the editor, opinion and editorial columns, and articles submitted to the Democrat and Chronicle may be distributed in print, electronic and other forms. Address: Letters to the Editor, Democrat and Chronicle, 55 Exchange Rochester, NY 14614. Opinions: (585) 258-2401.

Letters: For questions about letters, call letters editor Richard Orioli, (585) 258-2641. Speaking Out: To submit a longer essay, call Speaking Out editor M. Kathleen Wagner, (585) 258-2414. Fax: (585)258-2356. TTY line: (585) 258-2510.

E-mail: dceditpageDemocratandChronicle.com Help fight battle of bulge On New's Year's Eve, what do most people do? Right! Resolve to lose weight. So let's give them some help. If you are or ever have been on a diet, what tips would you offer to help fellow dieters succeed? Fax your list of do's and don'ts in a letter to the editor (up to 200 words) to (585) 258-2356 or e-mail kwagner DemocratandChronicle.com. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. The deadline is 10 a.m.

on Tuesday. Speaking Out may publish some of the submissions on New Year's Eve. Diplomacy's value seen in Gadhafi Moammar Gadhafi's decision to stop his weapons program and allow U.N. inspection for weapons of mass destruction in Libya was achieved by tact and diplomacy. This is the way nations should interact.

It is regrettable that President Bush and Prime Minister Blair didn't choose to use this approach to let the situation in Iraq be handled by the U.N. Security Council before starting a war that has killed thousands. We are now faced with the deaths of more American soldiers and an incredible debt to rebuild Iraq. It is true that the Bush family feud with Saddam is finally won, but at too high a price. BILL HAMLIN GREECE Where's money to run bus depot? It is reported that the transit authority is going to dig a hole downtown for the buses to go in and out of.

An environmental impact statement has been filed to assure us that we will not be gassed by the exhaust fumes. I would like to see a financial impact statement filed. Apparently, no one knows where all the money will come from to operate this facility. Even Mayor Johnson, who is for the project, doesn't seem to know. I hope we do not have to fill the hole with tax dollars.

The powers that be are violating one of George Eastman's admonitions. "Pay your bills on time and know where next month's bill money is coming from." A. ROGER CLARKE BRIGHTON vital city, a central place of commerce and culture, a region will die. Our jobs, our traditional manufacturing force that kept millions of Americans employed, are going overseas. This is happening in part because stockholder profit has been allowed, indeed encouraged, to climb several rungs above the importance of the American worker.

The challenge is how do we curb this monumental loss to our region's health and vitality. We need to listen to leadership with bold and different ideas to retain jobs and keep our region alive and we need to encourage industry to maintain our American worker base lest we become a region and a nation of the few who garner the profits and the many who wonder what happened. ANDY SMITH HONEOYE FALLS JU3L ail 111105. Beneath the surface polish the core of our city is rotting in poverty and violence. It is becoming an increasingly sharp dividing line between those who live in the city and those who merely visit.

Without a.