I’m not following this talk about a “glaring omission” of a ballroom at the SeaGate Convention Centre (Dec. 12, “Time to update SeaGate Centre”).
The editorial cites our need for a ballroom of at least 15,000 to 20,000 square feet. I have been to a few big events at the convention center, and I don’t know what the headcounts have been, but they have been big events. The Seagate Convention Centre lists three event rooms of 25,000 square feet each. This tells me we’re pretty much covered in the ballroom department at SeaGate itself. And when you factor in the 11,000-square-foot ballroom in the newly renovated Renaissance Hotel and 5,500-square-foot ballroom at the Park Inn, we clearly have small, medium, and large events covered quite nicely.
I think it would be better for the county to utilize its resources to attract large scale meetings and conventions to the SeaGate Convention Centre.
Let’s keep our hotels filled with guests and generate bundles of ballroom banquet business to benefit the entire “walkable downtown.”
PETER TAYLOR
North Ontario Street
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Obama played role in good economy
Former President Barack Obama’s name should have rightfully replaced President Trump’s name in the headline of Cal Thomas’ column, “Critics still can’t give Trump his due despite thriving economy.”
Remember nine years ago when Mr. Obama legitimately won the White House? He “inherited” wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two of the “Big Three” American Auto Companies were on the verge of collapse. Wall Street firms and our banks were filing Chapter 11 at a dizzying rate. The housing bubble burst. Gas hovered at $4 a gallon. Osama bin Laden was still at large. The Republican opposition vowed to make him a “one-timer.” And, he was the first black man in the White House.
All the while he championed civil rights issues, health care, immigration reform, gun control, climate, and energy issues — all with intense Republican opposition.
Now, fast forward to when Presdient Trump took over the White House. What a totally different scenario. We should all be surprised that Mr. Trump hasn’t given President Obama a free lifetime membership to Mar-a-Lago.
MATTHEW GOLKIEWICZ
Petersburg, Mich.
Accusers should testify under oath
I agree with Ambassador Nikki Haley that women who have experienced sexual misconduct should come forward (Dec. 11, “Accusers should be heard, Haley says”).
However, because of the possibility of irreparable harm being done to the reputations of the accused, allegations must be made under oath and be subject to cross-examination.
ERNEST LIPPERT
Tamarack Drive
Don’t punish the responsible drivers
With the first significant snowfall of the year, everyone should stay focused on changing road conditions, and alter their driving habits accordingly. Safety in bad weather is a goal shared by everyone.
I saw a newscast that discussed the snow emergency levels — 1, 2, and 3. I took exception to the Level 3 rule: “If one is caught driving during a Level 3 snow emergency, he is subject to arrest.” This is unacceptable and insulting.
First of all, law enforcement certainly has enough to do other than arresting someone for going to the store or work. Secondly, people should be expected to take responsibility for their own safety, and act accordingly.
Law enforcement should advise folks to stay home and off the roads, not order them to do so.
We live in an area that always has inclement weather. It’s not a new issue. People buy 4-wheel drive vehicles for just this type of situation — to be able to go to the store, to work, or to take care of family.
Are we now going to need a “special driving permit,” along with a nice fee, and be forced to show just cause so we can go out when it’s snowing? What a ridiculous idea. Wish I hadn’t given them the idea.
LOU STEFANONI
306th Street
First Published December 17, 2017, 12:30 p.m.
