Dear Editor,
First of all, congrats on your new venture. As a devoted Mr. Writer reader, I am glad you got your e-news project launched.
I have read the recommedations of the Operational Review and was impressed by its scope and thoroughness. Kudos to the thoughtful volunteers who provided such a massive amount of time and thought to this project. I agree with Councillor Greenfield that some recommendations might not be to everyone's liking, but it is a very good place to start.
As one of the few attendees at the Council meeting where it was presented, I must disagree with Mayor Richardson that the meeting in Council chambers was "the public forum" suitable to introduce the committee's findings to the Municipality. First of all-no one was there! How about a much larger venue and some publicity? It would be nice to have more of the committee members available as well.
Now for the "elephant in the room" subject that never gets laid to rest. In your editorial you mentioned the word "angry" and "healing". Mr. Greenfield mentioned staffing the Hall Box Office with volunteers. Not too long ago I was an active volunteer and Board member of the Georgian Theatre Festival-one of many, I might add. As a direct result of a law suit, and consequently being shut out of the Hall by the Council of the day, the GTF is gone, and its volunteers are busy doing other things.
For the healing process to begin, an acknowledgment of this injustice and a sincere apology must come from this Council; perhaps volunteerism will come back to the Hall and help alleviate the cash crunch there.
All the best in your new journalistic endeavours,
Kate Belec, Meaford
