TO THE EDITOR:

I read your article with great interest and found myself asking some questions that should be pursued in the interest of fair and accurate reporting.

1) The assertion that a hotel could bring local and regional events that will draw customers to the hotel.

What local and regional events, and what is the proof that a hotel will deliver such events? Where are these studies and what are the underlying facts that supports this assertion?

2) As far as $700,000 set aside is concerned, this could be simply kicking the can down the road after it is too late. Again, what are the underlying assumptions, cash flow analysis? Why would it take 24 months to break even if there is a need and a ready market, or lack of supply for a needy market?

3) If a hotel only requires a 54 % occupancy to break even, and the experts project a 70% occupancy, it you wouldn’t need a bond guarantee. LaQuinta Inn or any other investor(s) would build it without a guarantee, tax incentives would turn the trick.

Questions:

1) If this project is so good and the experts have it right, why do they need a guarantee bond?

2) Who are these experts?

3) What is their background?

4) Are these experts completely independent with no self-interest?

5) What is their track record with previous projects and projections, all of their projects, not a few that succeeded?

Tery G. Digs Thinking of moving

to Washington