READERS RESPOND

THE ISSUE: City officials on Tuesday will consider a request to authorize

$16 million in low-interest loans for hotel expansion.

PRO

I think the city should give the Hilton $16 million in low-interest

loans. Hilton is a major international hotel chain -- top-quality

management, high-grade construction. This will bring jobs to our city, a

major tourist attraction and really finish off the Downtown. I think it

will be very beneficial. It will benefit everyone, including homeowners.

I think it will increase their property value.

CON

Only after sending a letter to the Independent did I realize that I had

misinterpreted the deal that the city had made with the Waterfront Hilton

(“City will consider Waterfront Hilton expansion funding,” Jan. 27).

I suppose I could not wrap my mind around the fact that we are not

loaning the money to them, we are giving it to them. That makes all the

difference in the world. We spend $26 million to give the Hilton $16

million, while in another part of town Ocean View School District gives

Wal-Mart a school site at way below cost. Such a sweetheart deal!

Ka-ching, ka-ching -- it’s finally registered.