Dear Editor:

Thankfully, we don’t have AI editors at the Plaindealer (thanks, Burhnee!).

We are so fortunate to have *real* journalists, Erin and Mike, who actually dig to find the facts of a story, and use evidence and reason to come to conclusions.

The side-by-side printing of the redacted and less-redacted versions of the complaint was brilliant, and allows readers to have the evidence to reach their own conclusions. Your detailed reporting of the investigative steps you took, and of the apparent stonewalling from the police department and some in city administration, allows us to come to the same conclusion which you did — something still stinks within the police department and within the city administration.

It’s beyond shame that, apparently, some persons in our community who are in a position of trust don’t have the same commitment to transparency and accountability as you do.

In the same issue, you found time to address the tragedy of the fire at the home of Terry Kiser; the good news of the Swiss Village residents forming a cooperative to work towards becoming a resident-owned community; and many more items important to the well-being of Ouraynians.

Erin and Mike, you are an awesome gift to our community.

You are examples of the very best that journalism offers: speaking truth to power by shining a light in the dark corners and providing the evidence necessary for your readers to form their own reasoning conclusions.

We are beyond grateful to you for your uncompromising investigation and reporting. We are incredibly lucky to have you two in charge of our local paper.

Thank you for being fearless in pursuit of truth!

Carol Deihl and Kim Shrier

Ouray