Ink Link states that it is “dedicated to being your preferred source for reliable information that moves the community conversation forward, one story at a time.” It also emphasizes that “journalism is essential to an informed and engaged citizenry.”
Those are admirable goals. However, my experience has led me to question whether Ink Link provides equal opportunity for differing viewpoints, particularly when those viewpoints challenge narratives favored by Democrat elected officials and party activists.
Recently, Nashua Alderman Derek Thibeault authored a Soapbox article titled, “Republicans Have Had the Power. Where’s the Tax Relief?” The article advances a familiar political argument: rising property taxes are largely the responsibility of the state government, and voters should support Democrat candidates as a solution.
After researching the issues raised in Alderman Thibeault’s article, I prepared a detailed rebuttal that challenged several of his assertions and added context on local spending decisions and taxation. Ink Link declined to publish my response.
That decision prompted me to take a closer look at the publication’s opinion content. While Ink Link does not formally identify itself as a partisan news outlet, many of its opinion pieces and editorial choices appear to reflect a progressive or left-leaning perspective.
For example, the day before Alderman Thibeault’s article appeared, Manchester Ink Link published another Soapbox piece titled “Governor Ayotte’s Silence Comes With a Price,” authored by Jay Patry. Upon further review, I learned that Mr. Patry serves as Vice Chair of the Nashua Democratic City Committee. Readers may reasonably question whether contributors with Democrat Party affiliations receive more favorable access to the publication’s opinion platform than those with opposing viewpoints.
In his article, Alderman Thibeault also did not disclose his role as chair of a major city board or committee, nor did he address the impact that recent municipal spending decisions may have on future tax obligations for Nashua residents. As an elected official who has voted on city budgets and expenditures, he is well aware of the financial consequences of those decisions.
The broader concern is not whether Democratic viewpoints should be published. They absolutely should be. The concern is whether alternative perspectives are being given the same opportunity to be heard. A publication that presents itself as a community forum should be willing to publish thoughtful rebuttals and competing viewpoints, particularly on issues involving taxes, spending, and public policy.
For readers interested in reviewing my response to Alderman Thibeault’s article, Granite Grok was willing to publish it. I encourage residents to read both viewpoints and draw their own conclusions.
