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Final Word It was ironic that you gave "The Last Word" column (March, 1997) to former City Attorney John Witt and then entitled it, "A Stadium Authority." On the contrary, rather than being an "authority" on the lease for the stadium expansion, Witt stresses that not he but Mayor Golding and City Manager McGrory are the ones who actually negotiated it. In fact, Witt attempts to wash his hands of the whole deal, claiming that the more notorious terms of the lease, specifically the seat guarantee and the termination provisions, wouldn't have been in the deal if he, rather than Golding or McGrory, had been on the negotiating team. He even says the stadium's present critics had ample opportunity to voice their opinions during the negotiations. "Modifications could have been made to meet the criticisms . . .," he says. Well, then, if that’s so, where was he, the "Stadium Authority," when all this was going on? Even Witt himself admits that "... state and local governments should not have gotten into the business of running stadiums and sports arenas for the benefit of team owners." Yet Witt shows his true colors as a politician, rather than as a former advocate of the people, by deploring those who stood up for what even he knew was right and just. While he claims he was left out of the dealings, he still knew it was a bad deal for the people. Edward M. Teyssier I Was Wrong It is time for me to do a mea culpa. In my piece published in the March 1997 issue of the Metropolitan, I made a major mistake. With respect to the negotiations leading to the recent controversial agreement between the Chargers and the city, I said: " . . . the process represented the first time in the stadium's history that the city attorney's office was not an integral member of the city's negotiating team." Curtis Fitzpatrick, who knows better, informs me that I am wrong - he was involved in the negotiations from the beginning. I accept full responsibility for the mistake. I should have checked with Curtis before filing the column. Curtis also reminds me that he recommended against the 60,000-seat guarantee, which turned out to be the main political problem with an otherwise good agreement. His advice was ignored, but I guess that’s a client's right: to reject the advice of his or her lawyer. To the extent that my error proves embarrassing to Mayor Golding or City Manager McGrory, I apologize. The error is completely mine and I accept that fact. Whatever you can do to correct the error will be appreciated. John W. Witt After A Fashion Not to be overly picky, but Linda Barkman's article on "Dressing For Success" last month got it only partly right. Her references to the information received from Lee Niemczyk, a full-time, experienced professional, were absolutely correct. However, her statement that the "key to the season's business attire is the vented jacket with peak lapels" misses the mark and makes me wonder where that came from. This item is too preliminary to be accepted as mainstream business clothing for men and is on the fringe of what de-signers are showing as their cutting edge for next fall. (Whether it ever makes it here to San Diego is another question.) Along with her reference that "shiny fabrics prevail," and her most incorrect statement regarding the trend to flat-front pants, Ms. Barkman would better serve herself and her readers if the information she receives comes from sources who actually sell the product about which she is reporting. Fashion designers always have a need to offer something different, even if they know it won’t fly. Some of what they come up with works, and a lot of it doesn’t. To consider their wishes, ideas and whims as key ingredients in business attire is incorrect and confusing to men - especially in San Diego, where changes in fashion occur very slowly. Rich Brady Check It Out Congratulations! Metropolitan gets better each month. I certainly want to be responsible, righteous and, especially, guilt-free. Enclosed is my check for $20 for a one-year subscription. Betty Slater Thankful Notes . . . The Torrey Pines 5K would like to extend its thanks to Metropolitan Magazine for participating in this event. Your involvement was key in its success. The kids' races were extremely successful, bringing in more than 300 children - a wonderful start for kids' races. Plus, the event raised $2,500 for the Carmel Valley Library and library branches city-wide. This money will go toward enhancing the audio-visual collection. Additionally, many books were received during the book drive. These will be added to the collection or used in the book sales held every two weeks. We look forward to having you at the event in 1998. Britta Wichers Pardee Construction Co. wishes to thank Metropolitan Magazine for publicizing the Pardee Torrey Pines 5K, held March 2, 1997. The promotional space contributed to the success of the event. Nearly 1,400 runners competed in the Race for Knowledge which benefited the Carmel Valley Library. We hope we can count on you again next year! Linda Flynn I just want to express my sincere thanks for the tickets to "Chorus Line" that I won in your Play Metro contest. I had never seen this show before and it was great! I have always enjoyed reading your magazine and will continue to do so in the future. Kathleen Abbott Correspondence may be sent to Metropolitan Magazine, 1502 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101; or faxed to 233-4272. You also may e-mail us at info@sandiegometro.com. 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