Our city needs that new arena
Letters to the Editor - Saturday, October 21, 2006 @ 09:00
I awoke to a headline that shocked me: "George vows to freeze arena plan." (Oct.
18).
I don't get it. I am beginning to wonder why we bother to elect people and give
them the responsibility, on our behalf, to get things done in our community. If
it were left up to mayoralty candidates Kevin George and Rick Downes, all
council would ever do is debate, debate, debate.
Back in 2003, it was clear that one of Harvey Rosen's main objectives was to
have a shovel in the ground for a new entertainment centre by the end of his
three-year mandate if he were elected mayor.
With this as part of his platform, he was elected by an overwhelming
majority.
Once elected, the process started with a group of people from the community
being assigned the task of choosing the best location for an entertainment
centre. Once their decision was made, the democratic process continued.
The recommended location, Anglin Bay, was hotly debated by council. It was
decided that the centre should be built on the North Block. Again, after plenty
of lively discussion and debate, votes were cast to decide who should build and
operate the entertainment centre. It is my understanding that the arrangement
with the builder is a design-build contract that very much lowers the risk of
going over budget.
What gives Mr. George the right to reverse the democratic decisions that have
been made on building a new entertainment centre? This city desperately needs a
new facility to host not only the Kingston Frontenacs hockey team, but also a
variety of other events. It is critical to have it downtown to ensure the
downtown continues to thrive and make Kingston a place people want to visit and
live.
I wonder why Mr. George hasn't taken the same position on the west-end
multiplex? If he thinks the downtown entertainment centre's cost can get out of
control, what makes him think the multiplex will be any different?
Peter Kingston
Kingston