It never ceases to amaze me the constant criticism that Meaford Hall and anybody associated with Meaford Hall continues to receive in this community.

I suppose by talking about the comments I’ve heard about the Hall and its staff over the past few months in this space I’m somehow legitimizing them. Perhaps that is the case, but I’d like to think that this column is more along the lines of: “enough is enough, it’s time to move on.”

Judging by some of the comments I’ve heard over the past few months you would think the following:
- Hall Manager Paul Osborn is the devil.
- Anybody associated with the Meaford Hall Foundation are devils in training.
- Anybody working at Meaford Hall should be fired, then drawn and quartered, then boiled in oil, and then tarred and feathered … I’m sure you see my point.

I wish the people making those uninformed comments would consider reality. Of course, reality often depends on a person’s point of view, or whatever medication they happen to be taking.

Here’s the reality as I see it:
- Meaford Hall is becoming a success a lot quicker than anybody could have imagined.
- Paul Osborn’s management of the facility through its infancy is a major factor in the all the positive things going on.
- The staff at Meaford Hall are all great people and are a pleasure to talk to, interact with and are working as hard as possible in a brand new venture trying to make it a success.
- Without the Meaford Hall Foundation, the whole operation would be in big trouble.

I know that by evening offering this smidgen of praise for Meaford Hall and its staff, I’m going to get castigated from every angle.

Oh well, as I’m fond of saying often these days.

Under Osborn’s management the Hall more than tripled the amount of revenue it was expected to generate last year. In this year’s budget – when the costs of the mortgage on the facility are separated – Hall operations should pay for themselves, if not generate a profit based on Osborn’s carefully calculated plan to advance beyond being strictly a “facility for hire.”

Of course, when I say all that I must admit I have a not so hidden agenda for Meaford Hall. I want it to succeed. I want it to be the focal point of a thriving community. I want it to be financially successful. I want it to lead towards a revitalization of the downtown.

I wonder what the agenda is of those who continue to attack the Hall is? Could it be that some would like to see the Hall fail?  Could it be that some want to take over the facility and it themselves as their own private sand box?

It’s silly of me to even suggest such things. After all, everybody wants the Hall to be a success.

Right?