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Turpin Time

Let's Treat Visitors With Respect

Posted by: Jim Turpin

Monday, February 23, 2009 3:05 PM

Mercy! How mercenary!

It was astonishing and disappointing to watch a WCIA Channel 3 reporter ask visitors to Champaign-Urbana for the state wrestling tournament "how much money did you spend while you were here?"

The purpose of this interview was to show how much visitors contribute to our economy. This, of course, is important to our communities. But, is it necessary to quiz visitors about it?

Wouldn't it be better to ask them "Are you enjoying your stay in Champaign-Urbana?" and "What can the communities do to help make your stay more pleasant?" "Tell me about the Assembly Hall as a venue for state wrestling."

It goes without saying - and without asking - that visitors will spend money while here. Do we ask persons attending conventions and big meetings here the same questions? I sure hope not.

There are many reasons why C-U lost the state high school basketball tournament to Peoria. One reason was the IHSA tired of hearing complaints that hotels jacked up their rates and insisted on two-night stays. Another was: "they seem to take us for granted after all these years."

Let's be very careful, in these miserable economic times, that we do everything possible to keep the state high school wrestling and the state high school football playoffs.

And, in April there will be about 6,000 running in the 1st annual C-U Marathon. Runners from several different states will visit - some will have to stay over - many will eat in our restaurants and buy stuff at our stores.

Let's be content with this economic bonus and not screw it up by dashing up to visitors - microphone and camera in hand - and gleefully asking, "How much money are you spending while you are here?"

It is so uncool.