Heuer’s arrest shouldn’t be publicized

To the Editor:

I was disheartened today to see that an article was published about a former high school football hero who had been arrested for driving under the influence (“Former O’Side High School quarterback arrested for DWI,” Jan. 19-25).

I usually look forward to reading the Herald and seeing the smiling faces of Oceanside’s young people. There’s no shortage of athletes, scholars and humanitarians in our local youth, and I love to read about all of them.

I know that Oceanside students are educated about the dangers of drinking and driving and the local chapters of SADD and MADD are very strong. However, teenagers often make mistakes for a variety of reasons. Isn’t it our job as a community to shroud them with support in times of difficulty and encourage them to do the right thing next time? Surely, this young man will suffer the consequences with the law, and he will most likely have to answer to his parents, teachers, coaches and friends.

Because the Oceanside/Island Park Herald decided to publish an article about his arrest, he will now have to suffer further embarrassment and answer to community members, too. I don’t recall ever seeing an article about a person who was arrested for a DUI. Aren’t arrests usually posted in the police blotter?

The young man in the article became a local celebrity because of his athletic prowess. Weren’t we all proud when he helped lead his team to victory last year with the support of his family and fine coaches? I think the Herald can and should do a better job of making responsible journalism decisions that will have a positive impact on our community. It is a community newspaper.

In the future, please consider the negative effects that an article can have on a young person before publishing it because, in this case, you clearly fumbled the ball.

Christine Sartory

Oceanside