Removal Costs of Sculpture

Re “Tequila Importer Agrees to Remove West Hollywood Statue,” Jan. 10: Being kicked in the teeth by Mayor Paul Koretz of West Hollywood after agreeing to remove the Mexican art monument hardly served the agenda of local residents who want the art removed in a timely fashion. Koretz’s public statement regarding financial responsibility for the monument’s removal was careless and highly inflammatory.

Despite an initial $400,000 corporate investment and a legal contract that clearly states West Hollywood’s responsibility for the removal of the art, Heublein agreed to “partner” with the city to share in the cost. The recent chest thumping by Koretz obviously dampens our enthusiasm for this arrangement.

Why is Heublein targeted as the only party with accountability on this project? Did we truck in and install this sculpture under cover of darkness? Hardly. As dictated by the city, Heublein representatives participated in countless meetings and presentations (which Koretz attended) to achieve the unanimous approval of the City Council. Koretz’s statement, however, basically says that West Hollywood should not be held accountable for any written arrangements it enters into with outside parties.

STEVE GOLDSTEIN

Vice President, Public Relations

Heublein

Hartford, Conn.