TO THE EDITOR:

There may be confusion concerning recent references to felony convictions of hotel advisors. If so, this may be cleared up by reading the Friday, September 17, 1999, issue of the “Atlanta Business Chronicle.”

No doubt any developer would be delighted (in this dead economy) to build a hotel or two, make a huge profit, and leave us to work out our losses.

Past experience is the best predictor of future experience. The Fitzpatrick Hotel has not been profitable across time. Projections are little more than wishes, and hopes. Read Nassiem Nicholas Talebs’ work and tour Atlanta’s stopped and abandoned developments.

Pinning our hopes on Homeland Security training or some imaginary conferences that might trickle down to us seems reckless. It is my understanding that Homeland Security training is a self-contained unit, and housing is provided within the unit.

Unfortunately (because of past experience) a terrorist attack is being predicted by Homeland Security as a certainty. If that does occur, the blow to the tourist industry will be devastating as after 911. Several airlines bankrupted; and huge established conference and convention centers like Las Vegas have never recovered as a result of that and the present depression. Construction costs are down due to lack of demand. Nothing is a bargain when not needed. We are paying for a leaky school building, and our taxes are exorbitant.

The city’s decision to operate a utility company may have flown because it was touted as a benefit to all citizens. The city does seem to have profited from the utility monopoly, so why are our utility bills so expensive and continue to rise.

Are we still paying the bills for the failed industry that bilked us a few years ago? From their report it sounds like the city could pay that off.

By the way, what is the $5.00 addon junk fee? That could translate into a lot of money. Will that ever be removed?

How about lowering our utility bills? Now that would benefit all, especially the needy.

ROSALIE HAYNES