The Past Is In The Past

Two weeks ago, the Times ran its weekly Pioneer Portraits column as it has for many years. For the second time since the newspaper changed hands in late 2009, it prompted a letter to the editor, which we have published on this page.

The letter from Kate Reeve objects to rehashing local residents' past offenses, particularly for those who have since bettered their lives and become contributors to the community. She also asks for the same exception for those who have since passed away.

Before we get into our response to the letter, it's worth explaining how Pioneer Portraits is compiled. Each we...