Sins of omission
I’m so surprised your review of the year in arts (“Astonished, Challenged & Delighted,” 12/24/2015) omitted the Middleton Players Theatre’s Miss Saigon. It was a stunning production.
Alan Irgang (via email)
Sins of commission
For the sake of accuracy and context, please stop portraying Police Chief Koval as “Authoritarian of the Year” (“Cheap Shots,” 12/24/2015).
The misuse of deadly force had been an underreported legal issue for the Madison Police Department during the administrations of both Police Chief Richard Williams and Police Chief Noble Wray. On the other hand, Koval has held an extensive number of meetings in Madison’s various communities to address any issue people may wish to bring up. No topic is off limits. Koval uses scenarios from dissatisfied members of the public in future trainings for officers so the outcomes will be more positive the next time.
During Williams’ administration, on June 27, 2001, Officer Stephen Heimsness shot at a car with five unarmed passengers in the Lake Street parking ramp. Heimsness was suspended for 15 days without pay. On Sept. 9, 2005, contrary to Williams’ discipline of Heimsness, Wray signed a commendation for Heimsness’ handling of that situation.
The second time Heimsness used deadly force against an unarmed civilian was on Nov. 12, 2012, during Wray’s administration. Before Heimsness’ case had cleared the review process, on Aug. 7, 2013, Wray announced his resignation .
During the past three police administrations, I have never seen a police chief as concerned about genuinely taking input from the various communities and using it to provide better service as Koval.
Sue Hoffenberg (via email)
Blast from the past
Zane Williams
Reinforced concrete inside and out made St. Paul’s an exemplar of 1960s modernism, but the style hasn’t aged well. The chapel will be replaced by a more traditional building.
Re “Goodbye, St. Paul’s” (12/24/2015): Brings back memories. I remember both the old and the “concrete beacon.” I don’t know which building I like best. The original was a repetition of buildings seen elsewhere. The concrete beacon is imaginative and captured the spirit of the church of the time. I wonder how it feels to be an architect who lives to see their signature buildings torn down.
Bill DeBauche (via Facebook)
Though I left Madison in 1976, your story parallels our family’s (except we migrated from Queen of Peace). Thanks for a great piece.
Geoff Vanderlin (via Facebook)
I attended several anti-war forums there.
Judy Fuller Sikora (via Facebook)
