Letters

Taking Pete to task

To the editor:

Seems like newcomer columnist Pete Gleszer has taken a pro-developer/growth bias in his coverage of Fairhope City Politics. His recent comments (Jubilee column)) and policy misrepresentations concerning councilmembers Stankoski and Quinn have the foul smell of partisan politics to it, worthy of Rush Limbaugh himself. The criticism of Quinn as being too strong an individual has a taste of sexism to it as well (uppity woman!) and is particularly offensive.

The fact is, the vast majority of Fairhopers approve of Quinn’s efforts to maintain our small town atmosphere/ quality of life and are proud of her stands (sometimes alone, often futile) against potentially unscrupulous, money hungry realtors and developers. We need more like her, not just more yes men as was advocated in the column.

James Watkins

Fairhope

So wrong, oh Boozie

Dear Boozie:

Shame on you, Boozie. I trusted you and you let me down.

In the last issue, you told us all about David Rasp’s new bar, The Royal Scam, across from the Riverview and added that it was a non-smoking venue. No more reeking like an ashtray when we go out? No more hacking the next morning simply for wanting a social life? Clean? Upscale? Something for grown-ups? We got all excited thinking Mobile was finally starting to get some of that “big city flavor” we’ve been promised the RSA Tower will bring to town.

Well, Boozie darling, you got it all wrong. We went to The Royal Scam and found a line of smokers perched at the bar. We were told that smoking was allowed only at the bar but in a place that small, there wasn’t much difference.

Not much later, other patrons arrived and filled up some tables. The first thing they did was get ashtrays from the staff and start lighting up. Before long, the whole place was filled with smoke.

We asked about the people smoking at the tables and a staff member told us the place was only non-smoking until 3 p.m.!!!!!! Of course, with that type of stuff going on after three, it won’t be long before the odor soaks in to the room and the non-smokers who come in for lunch will start going somewhere else, someplace that doesn’t smell like a week’s worth of Marlboro butts.

What gives, Boozie? Why did the answer change to fit the scenario? What made it even more frustrating was the fact that The Royal Scam has a nice courtyard that could be used as a spot to dart out and have a smoke.

We have plenty of friends who have moved to Mobile form other places, people used to being able to go out without having to deal with tobacco smoke. These people want to feel like they are a part of the social mix here, they want to go out, get a drink, mingle, listen to music and enjoy themselves without needing a dry cleaner and a pulmonologist. Right now, there’s nowhere for them to go. We were all prepared to send them to The Royal Scam, but we’ll hold off for now.

Tired of the hack

Mobile

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