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Rob Haneisen from The MetroWest Daily News (Mass.) has been named Columnist of the Year in the 2009 Best of GateHouse contest.
About the entry
Rob Haneisen uses wit and skill to explore and offer his opinion on a range of newsworthy topics. In analyzing the Cash for Clunkers program, he realized its benefits but wondered about the fate of all the vehicles being turned in. They might have gone to good causes, he says, perhaps in auto repair classes or for transporting unemployed people to job interviews. “Perfectly good – albeit inefficient – cars and trucks are being permanently disabled when they are turned in to dealers. … These clunkers could still have a life in some capacity if we didn’t kill them.” He called readers’ attention to the contradictions that abound when it comes to mosquito spraying. Using chemicals to kill mosquitoes protects residents against West Nile virus, but what is known about the long-term effects of these toxic chemicals? In a change of pace, Haneisen thoughtfully explained the catch-22 faced by a husband and wife with genetic problems who sought to have a child through in vitro fertilization but were denied coverage by their insurance agency.
Judges’ comments
Judges praised Haneisen’s ability to thoughtfully explore a range of hot-button issues. He “proves that there’s more to good journalism than covering both sides of an issue. … Mr. Haneisen writes with grace and a sense of humor as he explores the ins and outs of complex issues that do not have clear black or white solutions.”
Finalist
Danielle Hatch Journal Star, Peoria, Ill.
Rob Haneisen from The MetroWest Daily News (Mass.) has been named Columnist of the Year in the 2009 Best of GateHouse contest.
About the entry
Rob Haneisen uses wit and skill to explore and offer his opinion on a range of newsworthy topics. In analyzing the Cash for Clunkers program, he realized its benefits but wondered about the fate of all the vehicles being turned in. They might have gone to good causes, he says, perhaps in auto repair classes or for transporting unemployed people to job interviews. “Perfectly good – albeit inefficient – cars and trucks are being permanently disabled when they are turned in to dealers. … These clunkers could still have a life in some capacity if we didn’t kill them.” He called readers’ attention to the contradictions that abound when it comes to mosquito spraying. Using chemicals to kill mosquitoes protects residents against West Nile virus, but what is known about the long-term effects of these toxic chemicals? In a change of pace, Haneisen thoughtfully explained the catch-22 faced by a husband and wife with genetic problems who sought to have a child through in vitro fertilization but were denied coverage by their insurance agency.
Judges’ comments
Judges praised Haneisen’s ability to thoughtfully explore a range of hot-button issues. He “proves that there’s more to good journalism than covering both sides of an issue. … Mr. Haneisen writes with grace and a sense of humor as he explores the ins and outs of complex issues that do not have clear black or white solutions.”
Finalist
Danielle Hatch Journal Star, Peoria, Ill.
