Miffed about Mif

Editor:

Alameda golfers — especially beginners, seniors and even those just trying to improve their short game — ought to tip their caps to Golf Commissioners Betsy Gammell and Ray Gaul for gaining a reprieve from the premature closure of the Mif Albright Par 3 course at the Chuck Corica Golf Complex.

At its July 1 meeting, the City Council directed that the Mif be "mothballed" as the first step toward reducing a purported deficit at the Golf Complex. (In fact, the Golf Complex always has generated an operating profit; the "deficit" arises only because the city takes $1 million from golf revenues to subsidize the general fund — but that's another story.)

Although the council set no date for this action, the city staff — City Manager Debbie Kurita and Interim Golf Complex General Manager Dale Lillard — unilaterally decided to shut down the Mif effective July 20.

The staff's decision meant that the Mif would be closed at the height of the summer season when the course gets its highest play, especially from kids on school vacation.

Fortunately, Ms. Gammell and Mr. Gaul recognized the shortsightedness of this decision and raised the issue at the Golf Commission's meeting last Wednesday.

The commission unanimously voted to request — and that it is all it can do — reconsideration by the staff. Ms. Kurita and Mr. Lillard then graciously agreed to defer closure until Aug. 31.

At the same time, Ms. Kurita made clear that, as far as city staff is concerned, the Mif's days are still numbered.

But at least, thanks to Ms. Gammell, Mr. Gaul and the Golf Commission, that number has been lengthened by six weeks

— Robert T. Sullwold

Theater plaza a possibility

Editor:

Whether you were for or against the theater-parking complex, it is a done deal. Now the question that arises is how to make it successful. Competition is stiff with competing theaters coordinated with multi-service malls and parking.

The area in front of the Alameda Theatre, full of cars and traffic, makes it difficult to create a venue that coordinates the surrounding area's shops and restaurants unto a unique theater experience that will generate growing patronage. A plaza in front of the theater extending through the existing parking lot to the Alameda Museum would allow patrons easy access while giving continuity to surrounding businesses.

Central Avenue has been partially closed during construction without causing any real inconvenience and Alameda Avenue is not essential to traffic.

The potential site could become gardens, a venue for outdoor activities such as a café (or) expanded exhibition area for the museum. Vehicle access could be availablefor first responders, delivery trucks and special event theater traffic.

The idea could be tried on a test basis to see problems and possibilities. I am sure others have ideas and that the city could get some good feedback with a town meeting.

— Don Coughlan

A giant in our community

Editor:

Regarding Dr. Robert Butts ("Doc says thanks," July 17), too few of us had realized the true size and stature of this little giant of a man who had been living among us. While everyone liked him, many more of us now realize how fortunate we have been to have "Our Dr. Bob" living with us in our little Floating Home community.

Several recent articles in our local papers conveyed that a very popular local pediatrician, Dr. Robert Butts, was fighting terminal pancreatic cancer. Because of this information, numerous people made contact with members of our team who were participating (at the most) recent Relay for Life event. They all wanted to covey their thanks (to) "Our Dr. Bob" for being in their lives to treat the life-threatening illnesses of their young children.

Most of us may not know that Bob wanted to be more involved in the Relay for Life (in June). (We) were completely surprised to see Bob actually show up for the 9 p.m. Luminaria ceremony at Encinal High School. It was his request to have his nurse push him clear around the track in his wheelchair, followed by his family. What a giant!

Bob and his family kept asking us to convey their thanks for our good thoughts and support, while we should be the ones who are most grateful.

So thanks so much to those who sent cards, e-mailed their good wishes, visited early on, donated funds to the American Cancer Society in honor of Dr. Robert Butts and participated in the Relay for Life awareness activity. "Our Dr. Bob" knew we all cared. He will be missed.

— Floyd Hunter

Too little, too late

Editor:

I am sick and tired of the complaining. There are a cadre of people in this town who attempt to put the city's problems on everyone else. Oh, that evil city council. Oh, do they ever have it out for us, the stupid, placid, uneducated, unmotivated public. Yes, indeed. The perfect victim of corrupt politicians: a public unwilling to take on the hard challenges of regulating their government.

I laugh at the bumper stickers that say "Impeach Bush" that enjoyed a resurgence when he had less than a year in office left.

I snicker at the investigations into Perata's (alleged) corruption just months before he leaves the position he abused so effectively.

If the public continues to take a lackadaisical attitude about regulating their own elected officials, of course the officials will continue to abuse the public's trust. When raising children, one must teach about consequences. It's much the same with the Bushes, Peratas and Johnsons of the world.

If we, the people, the bosses of these elected officials, do not provide direction and consequences through established channels, they will continue their errant ways.

Many blame the media for not informing us, or not stopping the government from acting corruptly. But ultimately, it's our responsibility to go through with impeachment, to reveal the smoking guns to the media, to prosecute and, if need be, execute the elected officials who break or abuse the law.

We cannot rely on some newspapers to do this for us. It's time the American public stopped being so lazy about their government. It's our government. It's run by us. Let's regulate it, too.

— Coho Jerkins