Let's set the record straight here. This guy Mike Scannell isn't writing out the check to pay for the band, BUT, he wants to dictate who can and can not be hired.
I may be wrong on this one, but most of these events downtown are usually created and brought to the public (free of charge) by Brenda Whitaker, a private citizen and local entrepreneur. I'm sure Mike Scannell knows, as well as mostly everyone else that Ms. Whitaker has had to close her businesses, hopefully a temporary situation, because of the pandemic.
It is a miracle she and the rest of the business owners have been able to hang on under these circumstances, period. It appears that with the support of the community, her and others may be able to return to some sort of normalcy, and then we have some big mouthed JACKASS stepping into this situation trying to strong arm someone who is only trying to bring a little enjoyment to the town's people.
You have to wonder who the (we) is, in his comment. The "we may go with informational signs to let people know if needed." If needed, in other words if his threats aren't enough and his demands aren't met. Maybe the (we) is him having a mouse in his pocket, or his only supporter on that thread, John Bronnbauer.
Who in the hell does this guy think he is? What makes him think he has the right to dictate to anyone, who they may hire for entertainment? If people cave into this kind of absurdity, you will have a jackass like him beating down the door to your wedding reception demanding to see a union card.
Mike Scannell, when you are writing out the check to pay the bill, then and only then do you have the right to open your mouth! I hope your public comments come back to haunt you and people avoid you like the plague. Good luck getting hired again in this town pal!