Totally inappropriate
I find the Traverse City Opera House's position on Wharton Center management extremely disingenuous. "Strategic planning process" my foot. Where was the transparency with the City Commission as the Opera House took this step to engage the Wharton Center in negotiations? Sounds to me like they were setting this all up without the city's knowledge and then hoped to spring it on them "ta-da!" style.
Where is the consideration of other groups who have been offering productions at the Opera House, especially the excellent Porterhouse Productions? Where is the consideration of all the public and private donors who gave millions over the years to renovate this structure, which really belongs to our community, not some outside arts organization?
Nothing against the Wharton Center, perhaps they might be a good partner, but it seems like Jerry Seinfeld and "big stage" theatre productions are totally inappropriate for such an intimate venue. I plan to attend at least one of these meetings and voice my concern.
Julie L.
Elliott-Eickenroth
Traverse City
Treat her well
On Friday Kathy will arrive early to unlock the store at Grand Traverse Crossing for her last time. The store will remain, but she must move on.
It was Kathy who managed its opening 15 years ago, and with caring co-workers looked after its every detail since. But after as many years of walking an ever-sharpening razor's edge between chasms of capricious corporate demands and fundamental concern for her employees, she will relinquish her position in hopes of finally caring for herself.
Freedom's corollary is responsibility; likewise, capitalism requires a strong tether to compassion lest it drift into territory not witnessed since Dickens conjured Scrooge. Corporations that deliberately sever this tie do so not only at their own peril, but that of those they purport to serve with lower prices and straining shelves. And I'm not referring to Walmart.
The effect on local culture has been that our marketplace has largely fallen into distant hands in whom sensitivity to guilt is trumped by creeping numbness to greed, our very neighbors now valued only insofar as their allegiance to an absurd holiday ledger.
It will be a lucky enterprise that rediscovers Kathy. Treat her well.
Mark Meyer
Traverse City
History a hit
I appreciate the fascinating 150-year history of Traverse City. Congratulations for a job well done.
Nancy L. Ferrar
Traverse City
