We're finishing our eighth week of delivering news and community features to the Maplewood-Brentwood area, and we're very happy about what we've accomplished in that time.

But if there's one thing we've learned: We can't do this alone. And we don't want to.

Your e-mails, story comments, events postings and announcements are what make this news website thrive. It's this interactivity and engagement that drives dialogue around the dinner table with family, over the fence between neighbors and in the office with your coworkers. We want to take this dialogue a step further.

We're launching a new feature called "Letters to the Editor." Simply put, we're inviting you to share your thoughts, ideas and concerns regarding major topics in the Maplewood-Brentwood area. We'll feature your letter on the main page and invite other community members to respond.

It may be a new feature, but the goal stays the same: driving dialogue on important topics and increasing engagement among community members.

So, what's important to you? Perhaps you have thoughts on the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District's use of Proposition Y funds? Maybe you'd like to comment on the Brentwood Fire Department's new $4 million building? Even if you have another topic in mind, please share your letter.

Please limit your letters to 300 words or less, and include your full name, age, residence and telephone number (for verification purposes). You can e-mail your letters to me at ryan.martin@patch.com. Be sure to write "Letter to the Editor" in the subject line. You may include photos that support your letter if you'd like, although they're not required.

I hope you'll consider passing along your thoughts on topics that are important to you. It's likely that others feel the same way.