Visalia - Amy Shuklian, Visalia Mayor: “It's very disappointing. I've always depended on the Voice for articles that are factual and not sensationalized. You guys always had a knack for finding the news that others missed. This community is not going to be the same without the Valley Voice.”
Steve Salomon, Visalia City Manager: “You're talking about a paper that has been around for decades and has very much been a part of this community. This is a real loss. I've always looked forward to reading the Valley Voice. The paper has always been fair and accurate and had news you couldn't find anywhere else.”
Supervisor Phil Cox: “My first reaction is one of shock and sadness. Without the Voice, where are folks going to get the real news around here?”
Harry Foster, president/CEO of Family HealthCare Network: “The end of the Valley Voice is very unfortunate for so many readers in the local area who have relied for the last thirty years on a credible newspaper that has information that is timely, objective and useful; it will definitely be missed.”
Craig Vejvoda, Tulare city councilman: “For the past six years, I've very much appreciated the coverage the paper has provided and being able to read stories pertaining to our community. People look forward to every Thursday and finding the latest edition of the Tulare Voice on the rack. The paper is going to be missed around here.”
Nancy Lockwood, owner of the Lockwood Agency: "Visalia is a stronger, more informed community because of the Valley Voice. Some would say it is a luxury to be a ‘two newspaper' town given our population, but in my opinion, it's far from a luxury. It is a necessity. The Voice provides an invaluable alternative to the traditional daily newspaper. We turn to the Voice for a different perspective, news we won't find anywhere else, and editorial support of local businesses and nonprofits. For almost all clients of The Lockwood Agency, a presence in the Voice is part of their sound marketing strategy. The economy and changes in technology have put perhaps unbearable pressure on this community-owned treasure. But Visalia without a Voice simply won't be the same."
Don Sharp, business leader and former city councilman: "What a sad moment. I have looked forward to reading the Voice for as long as I can remember. Where will we be able to get the "story behind the story" and the many "scoops" the Voice was famous for? I will truly miss a fabulous newspaper. Best of luck to the entire staff."
Tricia Stever Blattler, executive director, Tulare County Farm Bureau: “It's very sad news, especially coming at this time of the year. The Valley Voice has always been a tremendous community resource and great source of information.”
Terry Ommen, local historian: “It's just terrible news all the way around. Once you've been around as long as the Valley Voice, and are so well read and valued by people around here, it's just hard for me to believe the community is going to let this paper go away. Maybe it's false hoping but I'm thinking there's a white knight out there that is going to ride in to rescue the paper.”
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