And the people spoke

The town hall style meeting held at the Charles R. Wood Theatre and moderated by Judge David Krogmann drew a nearly full house. The program began with Rona Rahlf, Publisher of The Post-Star, offering a welcome on behalf of The Post-Star and co-sponsors TV8 and the ARCC. She then invited Bob Sweet, of the National Development Council, to the podium.

Judge David Krogmann moderated.



The first speaker of the night quickly made his way to the podium and shared the first of many views that would be shared.



Former Glens Falls Common Council Member, Kay Saunders, spoke of her appreciation for the Civic Center.



Nick Caimano, Warren County Budget Officer, stood to clarify figures in dispute regarding monies given by the County to the City of Glens Falls.



Another resident of Glens Falls spoke to the difficulties created by the burden of the Civic Center deficit.




It was not until the evening's end that the crowd really spoke.



Regarding the five options provided by the NDC:

1 - The city continues to own and manage the arena;

2 - The city retains ownership and hires a private management firm;

3 - The city transfers ownership to a regional authority or local development corporation;

4 - The city transfers ownership to a private firm that would operate the arena; and

5 - The city closes the arena and redevelops the site for some other use.

And the tall of the votes in the non-binding, public vote:

#2 had 112 votes or 67 percent

#4 had 25 votes or 15 percent

#3 had 19 votes or 11 percent

#5 had 8 votes or 4 percent

#1 had just 4 votes