What's wrong with Overture
As an hourly building cleaner at the Overture Center, let me add my two cents on Paul Soglin's "How to Fix Overture" (1/23/09):
First, let's be clear about Mr. Frautschi's "gift" - it was clearly to the big developers. The Overture Center was the wedge that cracked open the downtown market for new development. The evidence - condos, office buildings, etc. - is all around us, much of it half-empty.
Despite incisive presentations and arguments by the People's Arts District and the late Gene Parks, Madison chose la-la-land financial dreams and one of the worst architects on earth to design the building, then bowed to inane demands to "preserve" fragments of Yost's and the Civic Center. Worse, Overture's programming has all too well reflected the hodge-podgian nature of its exterior.
Unfortunately, management has been dictatorial and secretive. While Mr. Carto can at least keep his pants zipped, he seems much less experienced in the arts than was Mr. D'Angelo. But they share the little-Napoleon approach to employee relations.
Of the 15 people laid off at Overture, only two worked in the administration office, and one was the receptionist. Administration remains well stocked with vice presidents-in-charge-of-??? Those of us who tidy up after Kids in the Rotunda and alcoholics in the restrooms are having our hours halved.
Mr. Soglin is correct that the MCAD is a disaster. Madison, where Overture resides, has very little actual control over it. If we're going to foot the bill, that has to change.
Thomas Mackey
Lesson in democracy
Vikki Kratz laments that she was unable to get to the Obama inauguration even though she had "scored" a ticket ("I Watched It on TV!" 1/23/09). So some people with connections who were able to get tickets were prevented by the hordes of supporters of democracy who wanted to be there no matter how far away they would be. Let this be a warning to the Obama administration - this democracy thing might just catch on.
Judith Munaker
Peeved about pool
I am disappointed and outraged that Parks Superintendent Kevin Briski has axed the popular pool manager Bonnie Griswold ("New Parks Head Making Waves," 1/23/09). She should file a grievance to fight to get her job back.
Russell Novkov
Where WSUM is
Rich Albertoni's otherwise very good article on WSUM (1/23/09) was flawed by one stunning omission: where to find WSUM. It's 91.7 FM, and online at ).
Ken Kriesel, McFarland
