In response to "Will there be a Convention Center Gala opening?"

First and foremost the AVERAGE resident/taxpayer of this County never was on board for this project whether it was vocal or just comments among friends and neighbors. (Editor's note: 78% opposed County guarantee per Fox 43 poll in 2006.)

Second, I am sure there will be a gala grand opening for the "who's who" along with the board, media, etc, with the Convention Center Authority footing the bill. You will not see invitations going out to a soul that will cast a pall over the event.

Third, you will hear and see via the newspapers and tv all the hype you can stand with the current Commissioners and Mayor just swimming in the hoopla.

By lavishing publicity on them, they will be forced to beg, borrow and steal to keep this thing afloat.

Mayor Gray has made known his intentions to run for a second term. You can bet your bottom dollar (if you have one these days)that High, the newspapers and a few other important money supporters will pave the way with their political donations so that later on this money pit will be subsidized by the taxpayers.

WE WILL NEED TO KEEP THE MAYOR AND THE COMMISSIONERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR EVERY ACTION AND DOLLAR THEY THROW AT THIS.

Lastly, we are not Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or Baltimore as per the WSJ yesterday; we are smaller, healthier and will survive IF we continue to fight to maintain our character. If so, we will to remain a great city and county to live in