MAILBAG - June 7, 2001

I enjoyed the story story about Flint Morrison (“The stars are shining

in Huntington Beach,” May 24). Very interesting, and hard to believe all

the changes and events that have occurred in the relatively short number

of years.

Timely story for me, as I will reach the age of 70 in a few days.

Thanks for the good information.

STEVE HOLDEN

Huntington Beach

Get rid of the playhouse politics

Councilwoman Connie Boardman misses the point that a “subsidy” can and

should not be determined by the “landlord” (“Council OKs leasing criteria

for nonprofit groups,” May 24.)

In the case of the Huntington Beach Playhouse, the library director

has decided that the total number of hours currently used by the

Playhouse times his full rental price, minus the amount paid by the

playhouse equals a subsidy.

This formula is flawed, and the City Council seems to have bought it.

The library theater has not ever been close to being rented to capacity.

With that being true, how can it be alleged that with the playhouse gone,

the library could be rented 100% of the time that the playhouse would

have used it? It can’t.

Boardman needs to consider that a “business plan” and “fair market

value” cannot and should not be based on fictionalized formulas in order

to grossly exaggerate subsidies so as to make the burden of the city look

steeper.

That would be onerous. The playhouse seeks fairness and stability, but

the political climate is making that hard to find.

RAY BUFFER

Huntington Beach

* Ray Buffer is board member for the Huntington Beach Playhouse.