The Sun Journal obviously should be concerned whenever the freedom of the press is challenged. But, your editorial criticizing Rumford Police Chief Stacy Carter may be the worst case in point ever made in American history for such encroachment (July 22).

In journalism, like law enforcement, leaders are born not developed. Carter is a leader. You can’t buy a chief of police position, you have to earn it. Anyone who has the money can purchase a newspaper and publish their views.

Leaders have a natural sense for what is right, for what is fair. They exhibit great depth of character and, perhaps in this instance, empathy.

Carter was described as giving “friendly and protective treatment” to a fellow law enforcement officer. Perhaps it was his sense of fairness, empathy and knowledge of the facts that led him to his decision.

For those who know Carter (as I do from both sides of the law), know of no one that is more fair or qualified for the position he’s in. He has his priorities right. He prosecutes crimes against children swiftly and aggressively. He uses grant money for what it was awarded for, running an aggressive campaign against drunk drivers.

Perhaps your leadership could rethink its priorities in broadcasting its views to the masses, albeit infringement upon your journalistic rights.

Perhaps writing an in-depth article about the alarming number of sexual assaults on minors in our area would serve the readership much better. Those are the people we want to see the mug shots of, preferably 8-by-11-inch photos, complete with their associates and local contacts.

In a recent arrest for sexual abuse of a minor, you did mention that the alleged perpetrator had been drinking. Now that’s real artistic journalism. Is that supposed to diminish how sick these types of people are or imply they should get leniency at trial, or to justify the 1-by-1-inch mug shot that gets printed?

No one in the Rumford/Mexico area really cares about seeing a mug shot of Mexico police officer Mike Richard. The only public relations blunder created here was by the Sun Journal’s editorial board.

Tom Powell, Rumford