Big House story raises big questions about Waite, and Gillen

Re April 30 article, “Big House project falls through — Restaurant will not be built”: If anyone else in the city did anything like what owner Stephen Waite and Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen did regarding the Big House, they would be raked over the coals. Everyone would be yelling and screaming, but all is quiet. Why?

Mr. Waite admits he basically lied to get Metroplex money, that he was never dedicated to the idea of a restaurant, that he had to come up with a project so he could get the money.

Also, the article states that Mr. Gillen knew of Waite’s change in plans at least since January. Mr. Gillen has said numerous times, both on television and to the county Legislature, it would definitely be opening soon. I believe that charges should be brought against Mr. Waite for receiving money under false pretenses, and Gillen should be criticized for not making it clear to the public, and trying to get Metroplex’s money back, as soon as he knew that Waite was not pursuing the original plan. How are you going to rent a building out with a nightclub in the basement? So Mr. Waite wants the top floor for his law offices, I wouldn’t go to him or recommend him to anyone after reading or knowing about the Big House ruse.

I do believe Metroplex has other members on the board, but the only one you see or hear from is Mr. Gillen. Now I read in the May 3 Gazette he doesn’t think the Silver Diner should be sold because it is not going to be a restaurant. It’s a historical building. I can remember going to the Silver Diner when I was growing up, and that was quite a few years ago. But for four years, Ed Zemeck has tried to purchase the diner and the answer is no! Mr. Gillen, unless you are planning to buy the building, make the repairs to bring it back as a restaurant personally with your own money (not Metroplex’s), make the deal. Why should Mr. Gillen make this decision?

Holocaust survivor’s message a powerful one

I was present at the Holocaust memorial service on April 30 at Congregation Beth Shalom — it was a very moving and inspiring event.

It reminded me of another event I attended April 1. Marion Blumenthal Lazan, a Holocaust survivor, gave a lecture at the Ballston Community Library. Marion’s unforgettable life story recalled the devastating years that shaped her childhood. She related to all, describing her ordeal in such a manner that everyone was quickly drawn into the drama. Her audience became eyewitnesses to history. There was a large crowd at the library, with people listening through bookshelves. She signed books afterward, and everyone got a personal connection and feeling that she spoke to them personally. [This is] how she speaks to schools across the country, promoting her message of hope and tolerance. She has spoken to over 600,000 students and adults about her Holocaust experiences.

I would suggest to those interested, read her book, “Four Perfect Pebbles” — it was also translated into Dutch, German and even Japanese! A good idea too to visualize her story is too see “Marion’s Triumph: Surviving History’s Nighmare,” a unique Holocaust documentary that speaks to a young generation. Despite the horrors depicted, it differs from other Holocaust stories. It presents a life-affirming, inspirational narrative of survival, reconciliation and the limits of endurance, and renews one’s faith in humanity.

I commend the Ballston school district and library for inviting Marion to speak — all local school districts should follow suit. Her mission is to speak to as many students as possible, so they hear the story directly from a Holocaust survivor. Her presentation goes beyond the facts; she applies the lessons learned to society today. She asks her audience to be tolerant of others and not stereotype individuals based on religious belief, color, race or national origin. She stresses the importance of positive thinking, as well as creativity and inner strength, when working to overcome adversity.

Rabbi Yossi Rubin

Clifton Park

Cops should get out of their cars once in awhile

Re April 25 article, “More police hit the streets — Changes come in response to violent incidents”: Where are the cops that are supposed to walk the streets?

So far, the only thing they are doing is riding around in their cars, stopping people for whatever traffic violation they may have.

The city stated that there would be cops on foot. Where are they? Are they afraid to walk the streets on The Hill? If that’s the case, then the cops let it get out of control.

Cherie Lewis

Schenectady

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