A recent letter to the editor asked for fairness on the opinion page after a series of letters to the editor were published Oct. 15.

In response to that writer’s concern, the Eagle editors want to explain the decision from that day.

They were letters submitted before the deadline for the Eagle’s two-week “quiet period” prior to every election in which we don’t publish letters to the editor related to the candidates or issues in the coming election.

At that point, we opted to run all the approved letters, none of which were in support of Republican candidates.

Here at the Eagle, we believe showing all sides of a matter is important, but writing a letter to the editor is a choice. Readers must choose to care so strongly about an issue that they write up a letter that meets our standards.

Reasons for letters not being published include false information, name-calling or lack of local connection. In this case, there were no letters supporting Republican candidates available for publication.

We felt it important that those who met the deadline and criteria for the “quiet period” to have their letter published.

Letters we receive often draw attention to something good in our community; others to something not so good. Some question our process, and some letters even turn into newspaper stories.

American newspapers have published letters to the editor since the 18th century. Many of the news reports and commentaries published by our nation’s early newspapers were conveyed in the form of letters, and by the mid-18th century, letters to the editor were a dominant carrier of political and social discourse.

For centuries, the letters to the editor section of a newspaper has served as the ultimate democratic town square, bringing attention to neglected social issues, local problems or concerns that affect everyday citizens, or reactions to stories that have been published.

Our nation is a melting pot of different nationalities and viewpoints. It is a part of what makes America great. We should respect the views of our friends and neighbors, even if we don’t always agree with them.

We have heard that the Eagle is too liberal. Others say the newspaper is too conservative. We try to balance both sides and present an objective viewpoint on our opinion page, which is intended to be an open forum for ideas, even if you might not agree with some of them.

The Eagle employs people with various perspectives and political backgrounds, but as unbiased journalists, we remain neutral and always consider the opinions of others before making decisions.

We don’t choose sides.

Guidelines for letters to the editor are simple. Letters must contain the writer’s name, municipality and phone number for verification, not publication. They are not to exceed 250 words, and writers are limited to one letter each month. Personal attacks will not be tolerated.

They can be mailed to 514 West Wayne St., Butler, Pa. 16023, or emailed to letters@butlereagle.com.

We want to know what’s on your mind. This is your place to let your voice be heard.

— JGG & TL