[Mayor Steve] Brown seems more

concerned whether the decision to expand the center was based upon a public

referendum or not. It seems to me there is more of a personal issue here.

The fact that hundreds of families will be staying in our city hotels

in May and August during nationally sanctioned tournaments, as well as

national college competitions, certainly bring more revenue than the field

house or the soccer fields. Why do they lack any financial scrutiny?

Whether Mr. Brown likes the

tennis center or not, it is an asset in our community, and a financial

obligation to our city government. If the current antagonism, and scorched

earth politics continue, those running the center will seek other opportunities.

What I can say from experience

is that a tennis center without an active and professional staff will

become an expensive white elephant that we will all be paying for after

Mr. Brown's term has ended.

Robert J. Halpern

Peachtree City