An Open Letter to the Smithville City Council, Mayor, and City Manager

An open letter sent this morning (Aug. 27) to the Smithville City Council, Mayor, and City Manager from our publisher:

Dear Smithville City Council, Mayor, and City Manager,
I am writing to invite you to subscribe to Smithville Texas News, our hometown digital newspaper, and to encourage your support in sharing its value with our community.

As a professional journalist, I am committed to providing fair, accurate, and comprehensive coverage of local government and community issues, including your work. While my reporting may sometimes frustrate you, my goal is always fairness and fostering an informed Smithville.

Since launching in January 2025, Smithville Texas News has grown steadily, reaching 100 newsletter subscribers by April and 200 by early August. We now have 224 newsletter subscribers, including 37 paid subscribers and 9 paid members, reflecting strong community interest in reliable local journalism. Your support can help sustain and expand this momentum, ensuring Smithville has a robust press for years to come.

Smithville Texas news offers unique benefits that align with our shared goals for the community:
1. Promoting Transparency and Trust: An independent newspaper fosters accountability by reporting on city government activities with journalistic integrity. Your support demonstrates a commitment to transparency, building trust with residents who value open communication.

2. Countering Misinformation: In small towns like ours, rumors and half-truths on platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook often dominate. A professional news outlet provides a reliable source of facts, fostering informed decision-making and potentially offering an opinion section for constructive dialogue.

3. Supporting Economic Development: A vibrant newspaper highlights local businesses, events, and initiatives, attracting visitors, investors, and new residents. It signals that Smithville is a dynamic community, helping to further advance our economic development goals.

4. Preserving Community History: Smithville Texas News serves as a historical record, documenting our town’s events, achievements, and council decisions for future generations, strengthening our shared identity and pride.

5. Attracting Grant Funding: A credible news outlet enhances Smithville’s visibility to external organizations, such as grant providers, who seek communities with strong communication channels. Coverage of local initiatives can make Smithville more competitive for funding opportunities.

6. Rare Asset for a Small Town: Few towns our size have a dedicated newspaper run by a trained journalist. With articles, video recaps, newsletters, and the Smithville Minute podcast, Smithville Texas News is a unique asset for civic engagement in a rural community.

As community leaders, your support is critical to the success of this endeavor. By subscribing and promoting Smithville Texas News, you can lead by example, encouraging residents to rally behind a shared resource that strengthens our town’s communication, unity, and growth. Your endorsement sends a powerful message that Smithville values professional journalism and civic engagement.

To address any concerns, there is nothing unethical about elected or appointed officials purchasing a media subscription. It’s a standard way to stay informed, something essential for your roles.

For just $7 per month, a subscription to Smithville Texas News provides full access to all content, including articles, videos, newsletters, and the Smithville Minute on Spotify. I encourage you to subscribe at http://smithvilletexasnews.com, share our stories on your social media, and let residents know about this resource.

If you have ideas for improving our coverage or want to connect me with community members who could benefit from the paper, I’m eager to hear from you.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support a vital and growing community resource. Together, we can build a stronger, well-informed Smithville.

Sincerely,
~K
Kristen Meriwether
Publisher, Smithville Texas News