By Elizabeth Margaritis Butson
Publishing a newspaper for 75 years in New York City is an enormous achievement. Congratulations for continuing to publish a strong and independent voice in the community. In today’s society of megamergers and conformity this is no small task.
It takes dedication, courage and passion to publish an independent newspaper; to air opinions on issues that are important for the community and sometimes to endorse an unpopular point of view; to practice journalism with a capital “J.”
In 1992, when Tom and I took on the challenge of reviving a venerable but, alas, defunct newspaper, we made a pledge to adhere to the highest journalistic standards. For us, reviving The Villager, was not just a "must save" project but also a labor of love.
In addition to covering major issues affecting the lives of people in the community, we expanded coverage of the arts and especially focused on emerging local talent.
It gives me tremendous satisfaction to see The Villager grow and continue to garner major editorial awards from the New York Press Association. In community journalism, where making money is not the driving force, applause is a great sound.
My warmest congratulations to John Sutter and The Villager staff.
