Wednesday, February 18, 2004

Paper wrong about sponsors

This correspondence is in reference to your article of Jan. 30, 2004, entitled “Two sponsors cut ties with amphitheater,” which contains at least two false statements and is generally misleading in its inference.

Your opening sentence claims that Brooks and Kaigler Family Dentistry is a “long-time” sponsor. I don’t know what you consider long time, but Dr. Brooks and I have only sponsored for the past two seasons. Considering the number of years the amphitheater has had corporate sponsors (10 years according to your article; although I’m unsure of your accuracy) I do not consider two years long-term. Your statement is therefore not factual at worst and grossly misleading at best.

In paragraph two, you state that our notice not to sponsor was “since Jan. 19.” This is an absolutely false statement. Dr. Brooks and I had notified Ms. Romeo in November of our intent not to renew our sponsorship. We have decided to use those funds to establish academic scholarships for local Fayette County high schools.

Additionally, in paragraph six, you claim that “all of the other corporate contributors ... have come through on their sponsorships.” This is untrue. I know that a minimum Arnie’s Fine Wine and Liquor and Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry are NOT renewing sponsorship.

I am sending this with the minimal expectation of receiving a formal apology and/or retraction or a follow-up article with accurate information. If I do not, then I must presume you and your paper do not value accuracy or integrity.

Timothy J. Kaigler, DMD

tkaigler@bellsouth.net