As vice president of the Men’s Club of The Villages, I feel it is incumbent upon me to clarify some statements made by your reporter Kathy Baratta in her article about the Howell mayoral debate that was held in our development on Oct. 23.
The request to prevent the videotaping of the event was made by James Stanberry, the Republican participant. When we asked a member of the Demo-cratic incumbent’s staff, we were assured that their side was not going to tape the proceedings.
We then found out that the gentleman with the video camera was a private citizen. At no time was I or any other organizer of the debate approached by him for permission to tape. Had Ms. Baratta or any other bona fide member of the media (at the beginning) requested permission, it would have been granted.
Yes, I did say, "It is our house and we make the rules." I wonder how your reporters would react if someone walked into your office with a camera and started to film.
The greater portion of Ms. Baratta’s report was quite factual, and she is to be commended on her reporting.
We are amateurs and this was our first attempt at staging such an event. We opened our doors to all; common decency would demand that, as hosts, our house rules are observed.
Common decency would demand that when people come to our house, they ask what is permitted and what is not permitted before taking advantage of our hospitality.
We hope to have other forums in the future, and we will learn from our mistakes.
Aaron Schrager
Howell

