There has been a great deal of negativity directed at Meaford Hall and the management of the Hall in recent months.

Previous Municipal Councils made decisions about the Hall and financial investments were made to revive this historic building, and to support it as an arts and cultural centre in the southern Georgian Bay region.

The road previous and current Councils chose to go down has real potential for making the Hall a successful and sustainable profit driven, municipally owned business. This can only benefit our ratepayers. If it is not allowed to happen, the ratepayers will be saddled with a significant debt for decades to come. The choice is stark.

Why would some citizens of Meaford oppose efforts to promote a bright future for Meaford Hall?

The potential for profit and municipal pride is huge. Will this take time and effort? Absolutely. Is it attainable? Definitely. When the lieutenant-governor spoke at Meaford Hall last weekend, he had glowing words of praise for the staff and volunteers at the Hall. He believes the Hall will be the envy of surrounding municipalities and with his background in communications and media, he is in a position to know what he's talking about.

People need to ask what are the real motives driving those who publicly criticize staff and volunteers for their efforts to make the Hall a success. This apparent deliberate attempt to undermine and undercut the successes of the Hall is both insulting and disrespectful to the ratepayers of this Municipality. It is discouraging that some citizens would rather foster failure than build success.