Dear Jennifer,

 Thanks for allowing me to participate in this forum. I think we both want the same thing; to keep the Journal Star a great newspaper. However, I would suggest a different approach than the Guild has chosen to accomplish this goal. Since this forum is intended to inform the public, let's face facts:

The Journal Star newsroom staffing levels have been above industry averages for many years, mostly due to John McConnell's commitment to local news.

Any new owner will quickly recognize this and make adjustments. That's why Copley offered 14 newsroom employees the opportunity to retire voluntarily.

11 of those offered the retirement package decided to leave, lessening the need for the "Axe" to fall on many of the less senior newsroom folks.

There are fewer jobs at the Journal Star now than there were 10 years ago. Circulation(and the Guild) has lost at least 12 district managers, Production departments have cut 20 full-time positions in the past 3 years.

Every business has to constantly work to become more efficient(more work with less resources). Why should the newsroom be exempt?

I don't want to see one person lose their job at the Journal Star. I don't expect the Guild to sit back and say thank you as the Axe falls. I suggest that the Guild, and you as President, prepare yourself for the thoughtful discussion that will take place at the bargaining table in a few months when the Guild contract expires. You will have every opportunity to fight for your jobs, your union, and the future of the quality of journalism in Peoria.

I think it is counterproductive to assume anything about the new owners. Give them a chance to come in and sit down with you and talk about the future of the newspaper. It is unfair of you to prejudge their intentions or their methods. If you make the commitment to work with then instead of against them, I think everyone will be better off.

Again, thanks for letting me say my piece and good luck to all of you.

Paul Bullock