Appomattox Times – CMS

Category: Publisher’s Note

  • Publisher’s Note: When the government picks and chooses who can speak, that’s not moderation—it’s censorship

    Publisher’s Note: When the government picks and chooses who can speak, that’s not moderation—it’s censorship

    Today, I formally requested that the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors cease their practice of selectively disabling public comments on the official county Facebook page. Open dialogue and transparent governance are essential to a healthy democracy, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has clearly affirmed that public comment sections on government-run social media constitute protected forums for free speech (see Davison v. Randall, 2019).

    By selectively restricting comments, our County openly engages in viewpoint-based censorship, which undermines our fundamental constitutional freedoms. It is vital that citizens have the opportunity to openly discuss, question, and provide feedback on the actions of their government.

    I have respectfully urged the Board to promptly re-enable comments on all past and future posts and adopt clear, fair, and constitutionally compliant guidelines for managing public interaction on their official platforms.

    Let’s keep Appomattox County a place where voices can be heard and rights remain protected.

    20250514-AT-PUB-APCODownload

  • News Desert? Not Here: Times Brings on Lynchburg and U.Va. Graduate William Masselli

    News Desert? Not Here: Times Brings on Lynchburg and U.Va. Graduate William Masselli

    The Appomattox Times is pleased to welcome William Masselli to our reporting team. Masselli brings local journalism experience combined with a strong background in finance and accounting that will enhance our business and community coverage.

    Masselli has published over 90 articles as a news correspondent for Womack Publishing Company in Chatham, Virginia, where he established a reputation for in-depth coverage of local affairs and community issues. He previously served as Editor-in-Chief of the Critograph at the University of Lynchburg.

    A recent graduate with a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Virginia (2024) and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Lynchburg (2023), Masselli brings analytical expertise to our reporting team. His experience interviewing local leaders, educators, and government officials positions him well to deliver insightful coverage of the Appomattox region.

    Masselli has been recognized with the Thomas M. Berry Scholarship from the Virginia Society of CPAs and the George Willie Scholarship from the American Institute of CPAs, reflecting his commitment to excellence in both his accounting and journalistic pursuits. He was also a finalist for the Robert L. Hill Award at the University of Lynchburg in recognition of his journalism and mentoring success.

    His connection to our community runs deep, with previous Appomattox community involvement that gives him valuable perspective on local issues and concerns.

    When not reporting, Masselli continues to serve the community through his accounting work and previously volunteered as a CHAMPS mentor in Lynchburg.