Letter: Depot owner has earned the right to be involved

Published 11:20 pm Monday, November 16, 2015

T.J. Kaikobad is a great Daltonian, and he is my friend.

I have lived my entire life in Dalton. I grew up in the heyday of the tufted textile industry and I have known many of the men, women and families who made our city what it is. I owned property downtown for over 30 years and have worked to promote, protect and preserve it.

However, I know of no one who has worked harder, longer of with more dedication than T.J. He has always answered when called on by charities, civic clubs, schools, local government and countless others. He has donated, sponsored and helped generously and without expectation of reward or recognition.

He has been through thick and thin at The Depot. When it appeared our downtown might fail — as so many others have — T.J. plugged along. When the economy collapsed, T.J. plugged along. He worked long hours. He gave of himself, his time and his money to save, and to improve, downtown.

If anyone thinks the restaurant business is easy or “get rich quick,” they’ve not seen T.J. at work. Tirelessly. Always there. Always promoting. Always optimistic. Always investing himself into our downtown.

I am lucky to have met T.J. when he first came to town. I have eaten at The Depot countless times. My children worked there. I’ve spent hundreds of hours with T.J.. He is one of the best men I know. I believe the city council is acting as the members believe is best. However, T.J. should be part of the process, the discussion and the decision about The Depot.

He’s earned it.

Randy Bates

Dalton