The first rule of good journalism is to get the facts straight before printing. The Sun Journal did not do that in the editorial June 23 regarding Rumford’s decision not to share John Madigan with Mexico as a town manager. Others were quoted, but not Madigan, who said, “There’s just not enough time. This has been my concern for a while. I told them I can’t give a whole town manager at half-time.”

What is bizarre about the editorial not referencing the quote is that it appeared in a Sun Journal article that appeared October 25 after Dixfield selectmen pulled the plug on the failed experiment between that town and Mexico to share Madigan as town manager.

The editorial also did not quote the newest selectman, Rob Cameron, who said he did not support the idea, or former selectman James Thibodeau, who also spoke against the measure. Instead, the editorial continued the assault against selectmen Mark Belanger and Frank DiConzo. Also, it was implied that something underhanded had been done regarding the issue being voted on. Wrong again. The prior board voted on June 5 to hold a public hearing on June 19. That hearing was held and there was no support for the measure.

I think the Sun Journal editorial staff should spend more time bloviating about the frequent bank robberies, stabbings and shootings going on in their own backyard, and stop harassing Rumford.

Ron Theriault, Rumford