Letters to the Editor

News Virginian
Published: May 26, 2007

Acrimony hurting Waynesboro

Since the Wayne Theatre's closing, I was always hoping someone, somehow, someday would see we got this downtown treasure back into operation. For years, I heard "Boy, I sure miss the Wayne," or "Remember spending all day Saturdays at the Wayne," "I sure wish the Wayne was still showing those good ole Westerns." I'm glad there are others, besides me, who cherish those memories. I have been all for the reconstruction of the Wayne since its very inception. And until as recently as this week, it didn't bother me to put a few of my tax dollars toward this project. (I'm sure more of our taxes are going into the "Greenway" than would have gone to the theater).

However, when I read in the newspaper that friendships are being dissolved, and heated arguments are taking place because of the theater's financing, then I have a suggestion. That is, for the WTA (Wayne Theatre Alliance) to rescind any offers from the city to use any taxpayer monies. How many future customers would not feel a sense of guilt knowing they were patronizing an establishment built on hard feelings and lost friendships.

Not for one minute am I suggesting the WTA give up on their dream. I commend each member for their endurance over the past months, years. "Let's get the show on the road."

Lyle Palmer

Waynesboro

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Council needs to listen to residents

The vast majority of speakers at the city council's May 30 meeting made a number of points crystal clear:

* Taxes should be held at the current rate or lowered.

* A 35-75 percent increase in property reassessment in only a few years is crippling many citizens and is a form of taxation.

* The proposed "special utility fee" to help cover the cost of addressing the floodwater problem is just another tax.
n Let the private sector fund the Wayne Theatre project. Do not spend a dime of tax monies on it.

* The council should focus on the major issues facing the city (e.g., stormwater control, an antiquated sewer system, facilitation of police and fire departments, lighting for little league baseball fields, etc.). The list goes on.

* Stop catering to special interest groups and represent the people.

The council should employ the four basic steps in problem resolution. Determine issues through citizen and professional input. Inform citizenry of issues and options with citizen input. Poll citizenry to determine what they want you to do and publicize results. Vote as mandated.

I have two recommendations for the council. Have each member poll the ward they represent. The News Virginian could facilitate. Using the WTA as an example, since Mr. Reynolds, Ms. Smith and Ms. Dowdy slapped the taxpayers in the face by giving it $300,000 in spite of overwhelming opposition, The News Virginian could run the following ad:

"The Wayne Theatre project should be funded by public tax revenue, the private sector, or a combination." Make the results public and act accordingly. The second recommendation is that the council take Steve Landes' lead and publish a periodic public opinion poll. Include questions about current issues and their priorities, council performance evaluation, etc. Publish the results and act accordingly.

In short, do your job. Be responsible representatives or resign.

Stewart Hall

Waynesboro