Drew Johnson has been named opinion editor for the Free Press editorial page.Since the Times Free Press announced that I would serve as the new editor of the Free Press opinion page, the number of people who have reached out with their congratulations and well wishes has warmed my heart. I am sincerely grateful for the kindness of this community.
It is no secret that I am following a local legend and a giant in the newspaper industry. Lee Anderson left an indelible mark on this region, and the significance and the success of the Free Press opinion page is largely a reflection of his passion, energy and insight. It is an honor to carry forth Lee’s tradition.
That’s not to say that this page won’t look a little different. After all, when Lee was born, Calvin Coolidge was president and it cost two cents to mail a letter. When I was born Jimmy Carter was president, and by the time I was in high school, I sent emails rather than letters. Naturally, we have distinctive opinions and care about different issues.
While I am an East Tennessee native, I’m not from Chattanooga. There is no Maclellan or Lupton in my family tree. The closest I’ve ever come to Coca-Cola stock was refilling the soda shelves at Food Lion as a teen. I don’t play golf with members of the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners. I don’t have cookouts with Hamilton County school board members. Because I am not beholden to friendships or feelings, there will be no sacred cows on the Free Press opinion page.
Being an outsider allows me to approach local issues with honesty and objectivity that, I hope, will both ruffle feathers and be a breath of fresh air.