Privatization has destroyed the arts center Icommend Sen. Joe Kyrillos and Assemblywoman Amy Handlin for having the courage to take a stand on the situation at the PNC Bank Arts Center, and hope that their colleagues in the state Legislature will move quickly on hearings and action to set this situation right. The current so-called "arts center" is the direct opposite of what it was meant to be. The "privatization" of this facility began the downward spiral and degeneration of a once-beautiful cultural center to the raucous, orgiastic complex it has become. In its early days, the arts center was absolutely beautiful - an amphitheater, lovely plaza, verdant lawn and country setting that featured diverse cultural offerings in a tranquil setting. It was truly a place for all the people to enjoy almost any type of cultural offering, from popular to classic. The ethnic festivals were a wonderful feature that attracted people celebrating their heritage and those of their friends and neighbors; it was place where graduations could be held at a reasonable cost - a true arts center! The ill-considered privatization of our arts center totally diverted it from its original purpose; it became nothing more than a profit-driven madhouse benefiting its corporate operators at the great loss to the people of New Jersey - to whom it really belongs. The introduction to alcohol greatly contributed to this mess, not to mention the destruction of a beautiful country facility by overexpansion and architecture more suited to a concentration camp. The answer is simple - end the privatization of our arts center and return it to what it was prior to this disastrous deal! James L. Hinckley Lincroft section of Middletown