Jim Newton, newly named the LAT's editor of the editorial pages, received a boost over the weekend from former Times publisher Tom Johnson. He sent Newton a note that made its way onto the email loop of the Old Farts Society, a lunch group of retired Times reporters and editors.

Dear Jim:

Congratulations on being named editor of the editorial pages of Los Angeles Times.

This splendid decision by David Hiller places the editorial page and op-ed page back in the hands of a highly seasoned professional who knows well the market primarily served by The Times---Southern California....

Continued after the jump.

In so many of the most important reporting assignment in recent years, your skills as a superb writer and journalist have been evident to those of us who have read your work.

As your terrific book on Earl Warren shows so clearly, you also know the impact of international and national issues.

Personally, I am quite confident that under your leadership The Times' voice will be substantive, clear, and highly respected. I especially like your description of yourself as pragmatic. We need common sense in the analysis of the complex international, national and local issues we confront.

Again, congratulations. This is wonderful for The Times, its readers, its staff, and for all of us who care so much about the future of newspapers.

Best always,

Tom Johnson
(Publisher 1980-89)