TO: William E. Cleary, Sr.
Dear Bill,
I was sad to read that you are saying goodbye to something that has become an essential part of Gloucester City. Reading your articles, opinions, and other important news over the years, it is evident that you encompass everything good about your profession as a journalist. Your knowledge, honesty, and dedication through the years kept us in tune with and educated about what was going on in the city. Your comments about what you investigated and questioned may not have been approved by some politicians, but how they handled the situation made you that much more of a “champion” of our First Amendment rights.
One thing is for sure: your integrity is now and always will be above reproach, despite how you were treated. Maybe the people responsible for your situation felt they could silence your voice, but instead, your words came across even louder. Most of all, you opened our eyes to how important our “freedom of speech” is and how it affects every element of our lives. We absolutely have to stand up for our rights and the “quality” we deserve, even if it means paying a price. I will never forget you as an Advocate, and I am sure that so many other residents of Gloucester City and beyond will, too. You inspired us to take a good (or should I say “better”) look at what we need and deserve from a fair and honest city government, without being afraid. And, with an election right around the corner, we will have an opportunity to do just that. I hope you enjoy your New Adventure (even though I wish you would change your mind about leaving), and I thank you for your friendship and support these past years.
After telling me the story of your family’s history with the newspaper, I would say that you have so much to be proud of. You found a way to continue the tradition and now, after putting everything into it all these years, you leave behind a remarkable legacy. Good luck and best wishes to you and your family.
Lorraine Hutchinson, Gloucester City resident/Published November 1, 2013, CNBNews