Distinguished Service

Mark Ridolfi has been called a “difference maker” for the ideals we value: First Amendment freedoms, the public’s right to know, curiosity, citizen interaction with local government, kindness, and nurturing the new generations of our profession.  

His particular passion for keeping the public involved in the workings of government has included organizing and moderating candidate forums, pursuing public records to bring important issues to light, and poring over reams of data to put government actions into sharp focus. 

His coverage of grass-roots issues are so important to a healthy democracy and critical to an understanding of the power of local journalism. He lends perspective to current issues in thought-provoking columns that draw on his 40-plus years in the journalism profession. He has won many reporting and writing awards over the years, but that is not what motivates him. His motivation is an informed electorate.  

He also understands the importance of writing about people, allowing them to tell their stories. He’s always been one to pick up his camera to capture a moment in time for readers to appreciate. His talents in clean functional page design have also made the newspapers he’s worked for easier to navigate for readers. 

Most recently, Ridolfi has pushed on the importance of utilizing interns as much as possible to help foster the next generation. He is a teacher at heart and his patient and through, yet kind demeanor has served several interns and the newspaper alike, well.  

Many have said it is a privilege getting to call him a coworker and colleague.