Councilman O'Grady brings an excellent idea to the table, but it is incomplete. In order for this committee to really be effective it needs to have the authority to deny renewals for current bars as well. If existing [politically connected] bar owners are not subject to the discipline of this proposed committee, the committee will amount to a complete waste of time assuring nothing but business as usual for the current owners and the regulation [elimination] of competition.

The mayor's comment blaming the media for downtown's bad reputation is one of the most ridiculous things I've heard in a long time. The cure for a problem is not hiding bad news. Mr. Mayor, what news do you suggest be concealed from the public?

There are already laws on the books about serving intoxicated patrons. Enforce them more agressively.

What's more important, the resale value of a business or the protection of lives?