Tone of article wrecked event

As the executive director and president of the board of directors for the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, we wish to convey our displeasure with the Dec. 22 article regarding an event proposed for our downtown, entitled "'Wine crawl' with 25 stops prompts concerns about St. Charles' downtown image."

"Wine Down Winter" was presented to city council on December 19 by a downtown business owner, who had taken part in a similar and successful event run by the Libertyville Main Street Organization for the past ten years. "Wine Down Winter" had the backing of Police Chief Keegan, Mayor Ray Rogina, the liquor commission, and the Downtown St. Charles Partnership. After much discussion around logistics and security, the recommendation to approve the concept of the event was passed by city council. The purpose of it was to create a positive and fun way to highlight our downtown and what it has to offer. It was also creating an opportunity for our businesses to collaborate and create strong partnerships.

Both the article's "wine crawl" headline and content severely mischaracterizes this proposed event and damages the reputation of our downtown. That image is one that we all - the city, police department, Downtown St. Charles Partnership and our business owners - have worked hard to protect.

We have made great strides to create a brand that highlights our retail, unique dining and active night life. Our efforts have successfully resulted in portraying

downtown as a place where anyone can shop, dine and engage in the offerings of our downtown. "Wine Down Winter" could have brought many new visitors into our businesses, as it has done in Libertyville, in a safe and controlled manner. But unfortunately, due to the tone of the article published by The Daily Herald, our business owner no longer feels comfortable holding this event.

Jenna Sawicki

Christopher Woelffer

St. Charles