THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 12, 1996 TAG: 9604110119
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
I am writing in regard to the Jimmy Buffett ticket sellout. I was one of the Virginia Beach taxpayers who stayed on the phone for two hours to try to purchase tickets for the concert.
When I finally got through to Ticketmaster, I was told that there were no more tickets available. Later in the day I heard a commercial on a radio station advertising tickets with a substantial service charge. I called the number and was told that the tickets that were originally $10 were now $90 and the $35 tickets were $150.
I asked the gentleman on the phone how he had tickets to sell and he informed me that the tickets had been bought locally and were being resold. Wonderful! Once again the taxpayers have paid for something they will never reap the benefits from.
I personally cannot afford to buy tickets at that price, and I don't think the majority of the other citizens who pay taxes in this city can either. Our tax dollars paid for the theater to be built but we can't afford to use it.
I feel like the mayor and the City Council have misled us once again. When we go to the polls, let's remember who our enemies are. I am sick and tired of picking the paper up and reading about all the wonderful things that are being provided for us and then turning around and being stabbed in the back. I have been a taxpayer in this city for 25 years but I am ashamed to have to admit it.
Ellen Boerner
Virginia Beach by CNB