Dear Roanoke Rapids Theatre,

Sorry to see you go, but it is time.

The way you treated us has been deplorable and I for one hope with all my heart and soul Lafayette Gatling buys you so you are no longer a thorn in my side and become a private business that means I don't have to deal with you at city council meetings.

There's no need to be sad, RRT, you don't mind if I use your nickname, because we have been that intimate, but there's no need to be sad, because this is for the best.

Ever since a group of folks brought you in against our will you have been a drain.

Well, not really, because in the beginning, many were charmed by you, you enticed us with the promise of making Roanoke Rapids a music destination, kind of like Branson.

You remember that, don't you RRT? The throngs who were deceived by you, the Northeast Partnership, the city when sister Dolly strutted her stuff on the makeshift stage, making us believe she would be a part of you.

You let us down, the city let us down, folks on the state level let us down.

But it's time you go, RRT, and no matter what Mr. Gatling promised in the past and didn't deliver on, as long as he's got the cash, we say good riddance because he's not asking for installment payments, he's offering cash, so what does it matter to the naysayers that he's making an offer.

I say you go and leave us alone, I say you give us back the $100,000 it takes to keep you going, become a private citizen so you can go back on the tax rolls and let Mr. Gatling do with you what he wants to.

It will be hard to forget you, RRT, because we'll still have to pay the difference in the damage you've done, so your presence will not soon be forgotten. But someone has to clean up the mess others made by letting you in and at least there are some who are willing to take responsibility for what long ago has turned into bad idea.

It was no secret that it was going to cost us to get rid of you, but the current city council is in a damned if they do and damned if they don't situation and, remember, RRT, some people are happiest when they have something to complain about but I will not be sorry to see you go.

I will be the first to congratulate the current city council for deciding it is time to let you go and possibly reduce the financial crisis you were going to cause next fiscal year.

Your decision to leave will at least give the city time to find refinancing options for the remainder of the debt instead of having you stick around to a point where city employees lose their jobs or citizens don't have their trash picked up regularly.

No, it was time for you to go. You really did nothing for us and there was no one who could tame you. You really did nothing for the tourists driving down Interstate 95 so it is time for you to go.

There's no need to cry RRT, you'll be in a better place and even though I know and everyone else knows we're probably being taking advantage of, I truly believe we were taken advantage of all along, but this time there's cash being offered so get out of here.

I've already been there this past year, getting over being taken advantage of by someone who I thought was my friend. You're no different RRT, you're a bad friend and a bad influence and it's time to get over you. Yes, there are always reminders, but at least the healing can begin and whether Gatling pays taxes on you, well, that's up to the county to chase.

So, so long fair weathered friend, see you in the funny papers as they say.

Sincerely,

Lance Martin

Editor and publisher, rrspin.com