A couple of weeks ago, the Leader Publications news team began publishing a new standing feature: “Our View.” In each edition, members of our news team tell you what they think and feel.

The “Our View” section of our newspaper has ebbed and flowed over the years, but this year we are making it a priority to share our perspective on the news we cover day in and day out. Those not accustomed to this practice may be wondering, “why should I care what they think?”

It’s a good question — one that is historically rooted.

When newspapers first began publishing in America in Colonial times, the printed word was much different from the newspapers of today. Authors shared their opinions freely, telling readers the news and how they should feel about that news in the same space.

The fact-based journalism we largely know today (in spite of the “fake news” that peppers the digital media world) quickly evolved as newspaper publishers realized that sharing opinions in news writing marginalized those who did not share those opinions, which made the news less valuable to those readers.

Instead, opinion editorial sections were built into their own pages or sections. The space is reserved for anything opinion related: columns, political cartoons, letters to the editor, point and counterpoints, and editorials.

Editorials are opinion pieces authored and approved by an editorial board, which, depending on the paper, may be comprised of the newspaper’s leadership, a group of reporters, an opinion-editorial team, or, as in our case, the news team and myself.

As our label reflects, editorials are literally “our view” on issues and events impacting our communities.

That brings us back to the question: Why should you care what we think?

Our news team serves as the boots on the ground during community events, local government meetings, court proceedings, forums and other happenings. Our reporters keep their ears to the ground and learn of developments, issues and crimes before the vast majority of a community. And then, as they talk with key individuals to publish their stories, our reporters gain a wealth of knowledge — often more than they could ever publish in news articles.

In a lot of ways, this wealth of knowledge in and of itself makes our news team experts on their communities. We pride ourselves in building a team of intelligent, fair individuals, and when writing editorials, we think objectively not only about our own feelings, but the impact on the community.

Editorials are reviewed by all those on the editorial board, which challenges the author(s) with concerns and provides suggestions for improvements.

We hope that these editorials make our readers think and reflect on issues facing our area. We hope to challenge our elected officials and hold them accountable. We also hope to recognize key leaders and organizations for the good work they are doing to make southwest Michigan a better place to live.

The point here is not to ruffle feathers. We have no intention of sharing inflammatory perspectives, and this is not a tactic to get more clicks or elicit shock value. If you disagree with a position we take, we strongly encourage you to share your dissenting opinion in a letter to the editor. If you agree, we hope you share that, too.

Ultimately, these editorials are intended to elevate the newspaper and continue doing what we do best, and that’s informing our readers, documenting history and serving as a catalyst for change.

We are excited to continue the conversation and encourage you to join in.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7700 or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com