January 25, 2013
Friday AM

I have been following the sentiments of people who believe that the new construction projects the City of Ketchikan has taken on are a bit overboard. I have to agree to some extent.

First, it is wonderful that we have these new facilities, since the old ones were in terribly poor condition. Second, these buildings are amazing, if you have been inside. They are the highest quality and have the most extravagant facilities inside, you could practically live them. The library even has firewall that is like... ten feet long, to lounge in front of! Third, these buildings are way too extravagant! I thought when I saw the model of the Library that it was going to have at least three floors, for the size of it and the complexity of the design. But when it was finished and I walked in I was shocked to realize that it is three stories of empty space. Space that must be heated and maintained for the materials inside.

I don't know how much it cost to run these facilities, but I think that if the City of Ketchikan is going to foot the bill to build them, I think their long...long...long term maintenance should be the concern of everyone.

Raising taxes to cover the cost is one way to do it, but I think a better plan would be to get involved with the city council and help them make better long term decisions for our future.

Marie Zellmer
Ketchikan, AK

About: "Local historian and artist"

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