GOP, conservative negativity must stop
Janet Whelan (In your opinion, Jan. 19) seems to have the same problem with the truth as Tom Sears and all his other "fans" do _ they either deny it or mishandle it.
Instead of actively trying to deal with the problems of the country, many of which were caused by the Bush administration, maybe she should find a class of schoolchildren to read to, as Bush did at the time of 9/11. Then she could get a jumpsuit, fly to some area off Afghanistan and declare, Mission accomplished."
Oh, yes, Ms. Whelan, Clinton's administration left one of the largest government surpluses in many years. The Bush administration gave away that surplus and much more with the falsely begun war in Iraq, including billions to Cheney's buddies in Halliburton. There were also millions given to faith-based schools and organizations, something that was never constitutionally challenged.
Instead of all the attacks on Obama and other conservative/Republican negativity, how about some cooperation in the true American spirit, for a change?
William F. Roberts
Otego
Foothills director was always a pro
It is with sadness that we learn of the firing of four staff members at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, including Executive Director Jennifer McDowall, and the resignation of two others. Over the past year, the New York Neo-Futurists have brought their signature show, "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes)," to FPAC a total of eight times and were hoping to continue the relationship into 2010.
Our experience with Jennifer and her staff was never anything less than exceptional. In addition to being given the opportunity to perform our show in a beautiful new space for a diverse and growing audience, our business dealings with Jennifer were always professional, and the staff was always warm and welcoming.
Inviting the New York Neo-Futurists to perform regularly at FPAC was only a part of Jennifer's larger vision for the growth of the center. Other performances in the New Cabaret series included music, magic and storytelling, all in an effort to build audiences and strengthen cash flow as construction of the large theater continued.
The NY Neos extend their best wishes to the former FPAC staff, and hope that our relationships continue in new and exciting ways. We also urge the board of FPAC to consider new candidates with a thought to vision, artistic savvy and the willingness to take risks in choosing programming for the center. Theatergoers in Oneonta and the surrounding communities want and deserve live performances that are outside the mainstream and involve and respect them as more than passive spectators.
Dan McCoy
Brooklyn
The following ensemble members also signed this letter: Rob Neill, Cara Francis, Christopher Loar, Desiree Burch, Christopher Borg, Lauren Parrish, Jill Beckman, Kevin R. Free, Jeffrey Cranor, Jacquelyn Landgraf, Ryan Good, Eevin Hartsough, Christopher Diercksen, Erica Livingston, Lauren Sharpe, Adam Smith, Joey Rizzolo, Alicia Harding and Lusia Strus.
