Editor, The Spotlight:
My heart was heavy as I read the news that The Spotlight has made the difficult but necessary decision to suspend production of its print products in Saratoga and Schenectady counties. I got my start in journalism in 2007 when John McIntyre and Kathy McCarthy took a chance on a young reporter short on experience but full of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn — and learn I did while at The Spotlight. The Spotlight’s passion for local news and covering stories that matter to neighbors solidified my desire to continue my career in journalism and communications. I value the time I spent at the newspaper and have fond memories of editorial meetings, iMac computers and, of course, the paper’s incomparable sports editor. The Spotlight rightfully prides itself on reporters’ coverage of local news, and I have appreciated the partnership with your newspaper as I now promote the town government’s work here at Clifton Park Town Hall. I look forward to continuing this partnership and sincerely hope conditions in the not-too-distant future will permit The Spotlight to again publish a print edition in Saratoga County. J. Jude Hazard, Clifton Park
Editor’s note: The writer is currently the Information Specialist for the Town of Clifton Park. He was a reporter for Spotlight Newspapers in 2007, covering Clifton Park and Halfmoon.