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If you have an opinion, we want to hear it

It must be off-putting for many. The thought “that was random” definitely crosses plenty of their minds.

It must be off-putting for many. The thought “that was random” definitely crosses plenty of their minds. Getting approached by a complete stranger and being asked what your opinion on a political or social issue is doesn’t happen on a regular basis. But that’s my job.

The Prince Rupert Northern View is bringing “On the Street”, or the streeter, back to life.

Newspaper surveys show reader opinion sections, like “On the Street,” are one of the first sections people look at in newspapers.

It does make sense.

It’s interesting to see what local people, possibly even friends or family, have to say about an issue and it’s a great way to let readers give feedback on current affairs.

But that doesn’t mean I always enjoy doing it. I feel uneasy walking up to someone I don’t know, and trying to convince them to share their personal thoughts with not only me, but the community as a whole.

As a reporter, I have to interview tons of people I don’t know. However, there is always a reason why I chose to speak with that specific person.

When you’re selecting people at random, it’s near impossible to look at someone passing and be able to tell if they are familiar with an issue. There’s no way to know, aside from asking.

In the past it wasn’t always difficult finding people to answer. I remember several occasions when I was covering events, or struggling to find people to answer “On the Street” downtown when I would approached by people expressing interest in being included. That was probably the best feeling in the world.

Individuals who feel intensely about an issue always have the most thought-out and interesting answers. These opinions are the most thought-provoking to read.

I encourage anybody who reads next week’s question and sees either myself or View editor, Shaun Thomas, walking around downtown with a camera or at an event to speak up.