Many years ago Ricky Nelson serenaded us with his hit song “My bucket’s got a hole in it”. Based on what happened this past weekend during the Autorama at Cobo Hall perhaps Ricky wouldn’t mind if we paraphrased his lyrics just a bit and proclaimed “Cobo Hall’s got a lot of holes in it”.

Over the weekend downtown Detroit experienced rusty colored rain. And it wasn’t cascading down from the heavens but from inside Cobo Hall! The exhibitors who participated in the Autorama had to shield their cars from the downpour as water leaked through the faulty and dilapidated roof. The cost of paint on some of these exhibits is in the thousands of dollars and to say that the owners were irate would be an understatement. Some vowed never to return to Detroit and frankly who can blame them!

The temporary answer is two-fold: first someone needs to apply a thick coat of tar to the aging roof to prevent a recurrence. And secondly, the remaining tar along with a healthy helping of feathers should be applied to the five members of the City Council who voted down a deal which would have turned the renovation and expansion of Cobo Hall over to a regional authority. Then the five of them could audition for a spot on “American Idol” as they sing their own theme song – “Onward Christian soldiers”. On second thought their act would be a better candidate for “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader” and of course the answer is a resounding “NO”!

With the current controversy surrounding the improvement or lack thereof of Cobo Hall it may be just a matter of time before it is shuttered much like Michigan Central Station. Then as it becomes occupied by the homeless we can change the name to Hobo Hall!

Bill Kalmar

Former Director of the Michigan Quality Council