When I read the Jan. 16 front-page story, “Cyprus Cafe owner broke labor laws – Alison Dance found liable for $27,194.82 in minimum-wage violations,” I thought I was in a time warp. Really? Didn’t I read this same story, like back in June, shaming restaurateur Alison Dance with a capital A on her chest?

Yes, I get that she made some mistakes, but I believe she admitted to such negligence. To my knowledge, she has paid the financial penalties and has further renovated Cyprus to strengthen her commitment to refresh and renew.

I’ve enjoyed, along with family and friends, Cyprus food and its dining experience since the early ’90s when we first moved here. I have eaten at Alison’s table, experienced her steadfast and sometimes feisty spirit. Alison has been a good citizen and her contributions to our community has been greater than most.

This coverage is feeling a little too much like a witch hunt, and I sure would hate to see us run the woman out of Dodge – particularly one who has invested so much time and debt into an establishment so many have enjoyed. Maybe it would be nice to show us the other parts of Dance, which have added to our small town, where making a buck isn’t an easy thing.

Christina Erteszek

Durango