Dear Editor:

My opponent has been trying to distance himself from the amphitheater that has been built in the park. He has also been stating that no public hearing has ever been held concerning the amphitheater. I would like to offer some facts concerning Mr. Fowler and the amphitheater. On 1 April 1998, a public hearing was conducted with discussion on the building of the park with a 5000, seat amphitheater proposed at the back of the park. On 20 September 1999, the conceptual master plan for the park was presented to the Richmond Hill City council, to include Mr. Fowler, that stated the suggested location for an outdoor amphitheater (capacity 2500). Eventually could be location for Auditorium/Civic Center. At a meeting dated 16 March 1999, a statement was made that the park may be the best place to construct the amphitheater. Mr. Fowler did not disagree then. The minutes of a city council meeting dated 2 July 2002, under Parks, Recreation and Culture, councilman Fowler announced he had been approached about getting set up for plays, when the amphitheater is built. It would be nice to bring a major play to Richmond Hill. Council discussed this issue briefly. Councilman Fowler suggested setting up a committee. Has he forgotten all this? Why was it not a bad idea then? Or is it just a bad idea so you can use it as campaign rhetoric.

Floyd Hilliard