I read Mr. Federal Way’s column in the Nov. 14 issue of the Federal Way Mirror with a great deal of interest and some trepidation.

I hope I can clear up some misunderstandings and help bring about a positive consensus no matter what your position on the Performing Arts and Conference Center might be.

I was the emcee for Shindig! and as such I was not a performer (I should be so talented). I noticed that I did not see anyone from the Federal Way Mirror in the audience, so at one point I asked if there were any staff members present that I did not recognize.

Hearing no response, I suggested that people might want to write to the Mirror so that we might be sure that the community became aware how successful and well attended the event was. I did not intend to imply that the Mirror had taken any stance for or against the Performing Arts and Conference Center, I merely wanted to be sure the event got some publicity after the fact. I do not recall Rob McPherson mentioning letters to the editor of the Federal Way Mirror, but if he did it was only after I made the suggestion first.

Thank you for the articles you printed about Shindig! prior to the event. I am sure you helped to fill the house. I am afraid Rob McPherson missed a wonderful opportunity to obtain some local publicity for himself if he did not follow through with the request to contact you, but I do know that his international performance schedule has kept him busy.

For whatever it is worth, Rob would make a wonderful human interest Federal Way success story for you. He was raised in Federal Way by his grandmother, graduated from Federal Way High School after participating in their vocal music program, and has moved on to an operatic career that includes performances in Europe, Israel and around the United States. He is presently performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

I would hope we can keep the tone of the discussion about the Performing Arts and Conference Center positive regardless of anyone’s position concerning it. I am confident that both you and I feel that it is everyone’s business to make Federal Way a better place for future generations. Smiles are free and easy to give.

Jim Burbidge, Federal Way