Letters

Bilotti’s advocate chimes in

To the editor:

I realize that it is your job to give your point of view on the cuisine end of things at any given place around town. To tell the truth I have never put much stock in what someone in your profession has to say about a place, mainly because I would much rather form my own opinion and go from there. As a matter of fact I could find things wrong at just about any place I like to eat, and I do eat out at least two or three times a week….

But I just thought I might bring your attention to a few things that are positive about Bilotti’s, such as what Bob Moore (owner/operator) has done to support live music in the mobile area, having live music three-to-five nights a week between the dining room and in the bar. Some of the jazz ensembles that play in the dining room do not have many other venues that would allow them to work their craft. Also, following Katrina, Bob did everything he could to work in as many displaced musicians as he could that needed a gig.

You guys wouldn’t know much about that because he hasn’t called in the weekly events list since the last time you bashed him. Also, if you did have something wrong with your evening at Bilotti’s and asked to see the manager, 99 percent of the time, six days a week, till well after 2 a.m. it will be Bob that comes out to take care of the problem and not some assistant manager.

I may be a little biased on the subject because for the last 4 or 5 years I happen to be one of the musicians that have enjoyed the efforts that Bilotti’s has put forth in keeping the live music scene alive and well in the Mobile area (I’m a member of Borderline) AND I eat there all the time. Like you, I enjoy the Pasta Bilotti’s and I like the bruschetta (as long as you get it hot) but the steaks are great! Namely the filet mignon, I love the red wine dipping sauce and everything that comes with it, even though sometimes I’ll get pasta instead of the garlic potatoes, just to name a few….

It’s just weird that I only hear about a review of yours when you’re bashing on someplace (another pizza place comes to mind in Fairhope, also one of my favorite places). I personally would like to hear about where to go instead of where not to go, and I think your efforts would better serve the public building instead bashing. There are too many really good places that could use kudos here and there.

Robby Field

Mobile

Hudson takes exception to letter

Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to Lagniappe and David Dexter, whose letter to the editor appeared in our last issue.

Dear Mr. Dexter:

I read your letter to the Lagniappe editor titled “No Hudson fan here” in the August 16, 2006 publication. While I certainly respect your right to express your views and your disapproval of my job performance as an elected representative in whatever means you choose, I am perplexed at the manner of personal animosity that you displayed toward me in your letter given the fact that I don’t recall your contacting my office regarding any of the issues that you referenced in your letter. I am also disappointed that the Lagniappe editors chose to publish a letter that I believe falls far below professional disagreement and criticism of a public official to a level of acrimonious personal attack.

I make it a priority to respond to my constituents in a timely manner when contacted and am always happy to discuss any issue of concern with anyone who calls. In your letter you stated “And then she blocked the city from selling the SARPC building, at least temporarily. She cannot recognize a money saving measure when it rests beneath her nose.” Had you contacted my office, Mr. Dexter, I would have been happy to explain that the City did not sell the SARPC building, but instead, purchased it at $960,000 plus closing costs. I held the measure over for a week in order to obtain information to better understand the details of the purchase transaction, not as an attempt to block the deal. Each Councilmember has the right, by law, to lay over an agenda item for one week, and it is a common practice for all Councilmembers to do so.

As a public official, I realize that it is impossible to please everyone at all times on every issue, and I certainly realize that sometimes public and media criticism is an inherent component of the job. I do believe, however, that it is possible to practice The Golden Rule and state disagreements and even criticisms in a manner that is honest and respectful of others as fellow human beings. Elected officials deserve no less than that modicum of respect.

In the future, should you have any questions or concerns regarding City issues, I encourage you to contact my office at 208-7441.

Sincerely,

Connie Hudson

Councilmember

District 6

Continued from p. 4

Jog with your dog at your own risk

To the editor:

Aug. 17, 2006 started out as a pretty normal day for Wilson and me. Wilson Williston is my beloved dog. He is a MinPin and the only living and breathing responsibility I have ever had. He is very important to me. We do everything together. Often times Wilson will come to the office with me, go shopping with me, visits friends and neighbors with me and just about everything else with me.

For several months, Wilson and I have started a routine of running about 3-4 times a week. We go in the morning and late afternoons. Our route does not vary. We go straight down Dauphin Street. We see the same people every week. The same people working on construction, the same people eating breakfast at Spot of Tea, and we enjoy the regularity of our schedule.

This particular day was a Thursday. We had just made it to Water Street and we were headed back West on Dauphin. When we made it to the corner of Dauphin and Royal we were stopped by a woman who appeared to be harmless and friendly. We stopped upon her request only to be flabbergasted by her commentary.

The woman identified herself as the president of the Mobile Area ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and said there had been three complaints about me running with a Chihuahua. Well, as previously mentioned Wilson is a MinPin. We quickly cleared up the confusion with regard to the breed of my dog. Upon completion this lady approved me running with a MinPin stating, “MinPins have a little more endurance than a Chihuahua.”

I quickly thanked her for her Presidential approval. She assured me that she would let everyone know Wilson was OK. Thank you, I will be able to sleep at night knowing that a bunch of strangers know that my dog is OK.

Wilson is my best friend. I adore Wilson. We send out Christmas cards every year. He has a bathing suit. He likes to wear clothes. He used to frequent the Bicycle Shop with me for adult beverages until they started serving food. (I hope that is not considered cruel). He has a car seat, a seat belt, a backpack that he can ride in for shopping, a raincoat, and rain boots. I treat Wilson better than I treat most HUMANS I know.

But wait a minute. I am not the one that should be explaining myself. My relationship with my dog does not have to be public knowledge. I am not an organization that proclaims love and compassion for underprivileged animals. I don’t feel that I owe the ASPCA president or the concerned citizens any type explanation.

There is a Chow that roams the streets of Downtown. He has a very thick and tangled coat. If there is such a grand concern with regards to dogs being over heated, then why is this Chow running around with an Animal Afro? That cannot be cool. He must be burning up. I wonder if I put a leash on that dog and took him for a jog if the ASPCA would get calls?

I feel that someone owes me an apology. It devastated me to be accused of being cruel to Wilson. I really enjoy my dog and he enjoys me. For someone who doesn’t know either of us to question our ability to make sound decisions really bothered me. My dog was underestimated and my judgment was questioned. The events that took place that Thursday morning ruined my day.

I called Dr. Leslie and he assured me that Wilson is in shape to run. So, if there are any other Citizens downtown that become worried about Wilson, please note that a VET has been contacted about your concerns. He has given me his “Presidential” approval. In addition, please note that Wilson is not a Chihuahua. He is a MinPin.

Jana and Wilson Williston

Mobile

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