Editor:

An open letter to the City Council:

I’m sincerely disappointed in the action the council refused to take on behalf of the Rialto. A whole lot of people have worked long and hard to get the Rialto open and have overcome a tremendous amount of roadblocks that have been put in their paths. You have just created another such roadblock, just when we can see the light at the end of a long tunnel.

Because we have a lot of people who see the value in our history, we have been able to save a lot of landmarks for future generations. The last big landmark was our beautiful courthouse. That took an extreme effort for a lot of farsighted people. Because we did not wake up in time, we lost an irreplaceable showplace when we lost the Kohler Hotel. Maybe you don’t remember that beautiful building, but a whole lot people still mourn the loss.

Yes, it has taken much longer than we had originally thought to get our Rialto back in business, but the obstacles that have been overcome have been numerous. Instead of creating yet another one, how about you coming on board and helping? We invite you to visit the Rialto and see what has been accomplished thus far. It was stated that you had received some objections to funds for the Rialto. I’m willing to bet there are far more in favor than against supporting thus historical building. In fact, the open house that was held drew more than 200 interested persons, but I don’t remember any of the council being there. They don’t seem to be interested in what has been overcome to get to this point.

We have an architectural gem and a real asset for our community. If we don’t save our history for our children and grandchildren, what a great loss that will be. Not only will saving the Rialto help the appearance of our community, but it will be a draw for the tourist industry. There are people and organizations eager to make use of this facility. Please take time to visit this treasure that few communities are privileged to possess. Did you know that the person who designed the Majestic Theater in San Antonio had a hand in rebuilding the Rialto? Join the ranks of the farsighted people and help save our Rialto.

Sincerely

Jo Ann L. Hadwin