Thursday, April 05, 2007

 

Mateel Response to Dimmick Press Release

As Mateel Executive Director Taunya Stapp fires back, I'd have to say it does not really look like a compromise is brewing. As Tom Dimmick noted yesterday, tonight's Planning Commission meeting, where they will set the attendance level, may be as confusing as the last one, with "two shows, two producers and one permit," and the SoHum community still in stand-off mode.

We appreciate Mr. Dimmick's growing concern over the developing situation. The impact of his proposed shadow event is affecting a broad swath of the community. The Mateel Community Center never asked to sell this event. The "generous" offers Mr. Dimmick refers to in his press release do not meet the fundamental needs of the Mateel. Instead, we believe, they meet the fundamental need of Mr. Dimmick and associates to own the asset which we have invested community money into for over twenty three years. Mr. Dimmick's first pressure "offer" came in mid October of last year. This was months prior to the contract with People Productions ending. It continued with another pressure tactic offer on December 19, 2006 in which Mr. Dimmick cites that the Mateel should give him the event for free for two years. Subsequent discussions have included the stipulation that the Mateel not have any nonprofit food booths at their event. All offers are based on limited financials which the Mateel cannot verify. The board of the Mateel has always been looking for solutions to this situation and will continue to look for equitable solutions.

Comments:
"Instead of working with you twoards a solution we'd rather force you to let us have a show on your land when you don't want us there."

Awesome. (sarc.)
 
Our Egos prevent us from compromising. We would rather destroy a legacy and throw away any chance of having a concert at all than to back down and negotiate a reasonable agreement. We would rather have nothing than to settle.
 
$20 bucks a head sounds fair. Let Mr. Dimmick make it up with the booze booth.
 
Bottom line: Whoever owns the land, gets veto power over what is done with it. Zoning and permits restrict what you can and can't do, but if Dimmick says no concert... no concert, period.

So why doesn't every one accept this truth and work with Mr. Dimmick to address his concerns, even if one of his concerns is that he makes a healthy return on his assets. After all, there is not a line of land owners backed-up around the corner willing to allow a huge festival on their land every year.

From my point of view, I would like to thank Tom for giving the world an opportunity to experience such a wonderful event. The Matteel Community seems to believe they have some right of ownership over Tom Dimmicks land. Well, I'm sure we would all love to own that piece of land, but only one person does, and with that ownership comes a lot of inalienable rights.

Looking forward to Reggae Rising!
 
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