Hi Roger,
I in no way meant to thwart your good efforts at reform or "beat the proverbial dead horse." I am truly pleased that, as you report, there is new blood in the merchant community and they are interested in pursuing positive change with your thoughful assistance. Not having been around for 8 months, I obviously was not up to speed on the changes in town. We are residents of the area (though currently in self-imposed exile). I worked for a retail establishment there and became friends with those merchants that were in the know and questioned CHS's promised performance. Nothing would please me more than to have people get involved and encourage accountability. My ultimate hope would be for the survival and success of the hardworking people in town.
Sorry if my somewhat jaded view of Mark Graybill, set you off. Our experience with Mr. Graybill was one that left a bitter taste. He on the one hand professed neutrality and fairness, and then he promptly took advantage of the opportunity to better his circumstances through a contract with the CHS. I am sure he would present the situation differently, but from our viewpoint it appeared that he had been working behind the scenes against the previous operator the entire time.
Thank you for your interest.
Karell