What Is This Arnold Patch Thing?

Fewer than two months since launch, people are asking, "What is Arnold Patch?"

It's a good question.

Patch is dedicated to covering ultra-local news, features and sports, informing readers what is going on in their town. Whether it's news from the Arnold City Council, the Fox C-6 Board of Education, the Arnold Police Department, the Jefferson County Library or the Rock Community Fire Protection District, we hope to bring you all the news and information about what is happening in here.

We'll also have regular coverage of county government, especially as it affects Arnold. We'll cover elections. We'll profile local people and organizations. We'll help community groups spread the word about their programs and events. We have an extensive online directory of businesses, with photos, and a comprehensive calendar of events. Readers are encouraged not only to use these features, but to participate as well, submitting their own information, news and photos.

Arnold Patch will highlight the good news in our community, but we won't shy away from what else is happening. When there is crime, we'll report it. When there is controversy, we'll write about it. The goal is to provide comprehensive news coverage of Jefferson County's largest city.

What we won't do is preach to you. We won't be a platform that presents a one-sided picture of events. Everyone has an opinion, and we'll respect their right to express it. We also will aggressively seek both sides on every issue. Our readers deserve no less.

We will not abide name-calling, or efforts by one group or another to dominate the discussion. Arnold Patch is the people's town hall and efforts to bully participants from the stage will not be tolerated. Civil conversations, honest differences of opinion and reasonable discourse is expected. As are strong opinions. But, "reasonable" does not include efforts by an individual or a group to repeatedly belittle or harass others. It’s really very simple: Use the living room rule. Would you be comfortable with what you have to say in your living room, with your mom there? Would you be comfortable with other people in your living room, saying what they’re saying?

You might not care for the color of a public official's socks, but you don't have a right to call him or her a crook. You might not like the way the schools are the city is run, but you don't have a right to charge their leadership with crimes against the taxpayers. Does it matter if a candidate's ex-wife's husband is a ne'er-do-well? Hardly. Express your opinion — strongly if you like — but smear tactics on Arnold Patch will not stand. There is a difference between mud-slinging and a difference of opinion. Who'll be the judge? We will, based on the guidelines we’ve spelled out on Patch. Our readers deserve an honest, fair, objective source for local news, and we intend to keep it that way.

We will present a comprehensive and impartial account of the news of the day. Fortunately, there are hundreds of stories in Arnold about people, places and things that make the city a great place to live. We hope you all make Arnold Patch a regular place to visit and read about the triumphs, disappointments and achievements of your neighbors.