I am confused by The Middletown Journal’s two editorial positions expressed earlier tonight (but dated 10/08/2010, at 11:00 and 11:05 am) endorsing Bill Coley and Tim Derickson.

It is not the actual endorsements that confuse me, but statements by The Journal’s editorial staff within the op-ed articles explaining their endorsements.

Of Mr. Coley, The Journal states:

“Coley continues to insist that areas like West Chester Twp. continue to grow and thrive because they do not impose an income tax on workers, and that state government should help cities reduce their reliance on what he considers job-stifling income taxes. We [The Journal] think those views will resonate with tax-weary voters in the 55th District.”

How can the Middletown Journal possibly say this when they have continually and unfailingly supported EVERY SINGLE income tax increase ever proposed (at least in my feeble memory) to be inflicted upon the tax-weary citizens of Middletown??? Does The Journal want “areas like West Chester” to remain income tax-free and thereby “continue to grow and thrive” while Middletown and its “tax-weary” citizens continue a death spiral under ever-increasing “job-stifling income taxes”???

In their editorial endorsing Mr. Derickson, The Journal states:

“…we believe Derickson is the type of lawmaker whom voters need — a man of moderate temper who works to bring people to the table to find consensus. Frankly, we’ve had enough of the shouters and table-pounders.”

Am I the only one who finds it strange that The Journal says this, but has yet to editorialize against “the shouter” on our very own City Council???

So, there you have it, Middletonians! The Middletown Journal seems to have made their editorial opinion very clear!!!

They seem to stand squarely against:

• income tax on workers, and
• job-stifling income taxes, and
• shouting and table-pounding lawmakers…

…except in MIDDLETOWN!!!