I read of Apex Town Council member Scott Lassiter's DWI charge with disappointment. I was even more upset when I learned the Cary News knew about the episode prior to November's election but decided not to report it. I understand Lassiter has not yet been found guilty and, even if he is, the misdemeanor does not disqualify him from his seat. But the public should have been made aware of what happened. Area residents are smart enough to take factual information and decide for themselves how they might act upon it.

Lassiter is a former student of mine. I donated to his campaign and still might have even if I had known about the charge. Perhaps I should have done greater due diligence before writing a check. However, I don't think it is unreasonable to believe a local newspaper will report on important matters in local politics and government so that its readership is broadly informed before making consequential decisions.

The Cary News should always side with the public interest over the political career of one individual. Unfortunately ... the paper seems cozily nestled into the fabric of public life in Apex. The town essentially operates on a system of personal favors that places little value on ethics, transparency, and the broader concerns of the community. This newspaper should work to expose such a culture, not reinforce it.

Andrew J. Taylor, Cary