Blake Fontenay is an additional finalist in Editorials category for newspapers under 35,000 circulation

Posted

Blake Fontenay, a columnist with TCPalm / Treasure Coast Newspapers in Fort Pierce, Florida, is an additional finalist in the under 35,000 circulation category of the Editorials category of the Carmage Walls Commentary Prize competition.

The three editorials, written by Fontenay about a mysterious appointment made by Sheriff Keith Pearson, were submitted by Adam Neal, executive editor and news director.

Neal said: "These editorials focus on the abrupt and unexpected resignation of a longtime sheriff and the same-day, mysterious appointment of a mid-level lieutenant to lead the agency.

"These editorials highlight and explain the facts around this strange change in leadership and point out the pitfalls in the appointment. They also hold the new sheriff to task on decisions he made and the lack of transparency from his department.

"They also detail the lack of public records the sheriff's office refuses to fulfill, which may lead to answers many residents have on the appointment."

Fontenay's entry included these three editorials:

Among the comments made by contest judges:

    • He did a good job of delving into the back hallways of bureaucracy — taking a look at how things happen, not just at the outcomes.
    • Another judge called this a strong entry all the way around, noting that it showed the right way to do something.