Something to read

Read any good books lately? The “Librarian Recommends” feature below will ensure you answer that question in the affirmative the next time someone asks.

Click on “More Features” to find the link. Our videographer is Tony Bullocks.

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The Clovis News Journal introduced new tools for the Web site on Monday. The SiteLife system allows readers to build their own blogs, share photos and more, but the main attraction is its commenting features.

Our old system allowed readers to comment on stories, but it also allowed readers to delete comments for no reason and offered no options for limiting posts by individuals who repeatedly violated our user agreement.

The new system requires registration and a valid e-mail address. Anonymity is still an option, but anyone who uses the forum inappropriately – by attacking innocent people, libeling anyone, spreading racial intolerance, for example -- can be banned from conversations.

Readers can still flag comments they consider inappropriate, but now only the editors can delete comments. Flagging a comment will bring it to an editor’s attention.

Since the new system allows editors to confirm the identity of those who wish to provide their real names, we hope it encourages public officials to sign up and answer some of the questions that readers ask in these forums.

Editor David Stevens will be answering readers’ questions as well under the moniker “editorstevens.” He will be expressing his own views on occasion.

Let us know how you like the new system by logging on and expressing responsible viewpoints.

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Clovis’ Jim Sitterly handicaps the mayor’s race:

“I think that any person who wants to lead a wonderful city like Clovis should ooze the love and passion it will take to lead long before they choose to put their hat in the ring,” he wrote in an e-mail.

“When I look over the long list of candidates I must admit I don’t know all of them nor have I heard of their involvement prior to their announcements. I know (Tim) Ashley, (Gayla) Brumfield and (Gloria Wicker). When looking at each, I recognize only one that seems to ooze the passion and understanding of a city like Clovis. Only one has continually worked on economic development, only one has traveled from coast to coast promoting our community, only has shown over and over the abilities and passion to fill our last mayor’s shoes.

“Although the others are outstanding citizens, the person I would choose to be our mayor would be Mrs. Gayla Brumfield.”

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Clovis’ Jeff Greene is in favor of a proposal that would allow city restaurants to sell alcohol on Sundays.

“People with drinking problems are going to buy enough on Saturday to last them through Sunday anyway,” he wrote in an e-mail.

“We should be able to buy a beer or a glass of wine with our meal any day of the week.”

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Want to participate in question-and-answer sessions with the editors?

Email us

We’ll provide the questions. Your answers will be posted here.

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This week’s Web poll asks about the most important issues facing New Mexico lawmakers as they gather in Santa Fe.

Click on “More Features” below to access the Web poll and vote.

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