Viewpoints
Congratulations to the Borough
Assembly
by Robert D. Warner
September 09, 2004
Thursday
Congratulations to the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly for
their vote to reject the land swap for the proposed arts center.
Three members of the Assembly, George Lybrand, Maggie Sarber
and George Tipton, with the help of Mayor Salazar held their
ground in support of taxpayers in spite of tremendous pressure
from two or three special interests groups. It took real
and sincere courage as they faced months of continuous pressure
and sometimes unreasonable criticism.
I have no problem with citizens voicing opinions and enjoying
the arts, but it is wrong to expect taxpayers to pay for special
recreational and art interests, especially during these difficult
economic times. We currently face increased expenses for
school construction, education, fire protection, public safety,
solid waste disposal,and just about every other aspect of essential
public services. Reduced state funding also places increased
pressure on local taxpayers.
The proposed land exchange was flawed from the beginning in my
opinion. Groups supporting the arts should depend on their
own resources rather than taxpayers to support their special
interests.
Robert D. Warner
Ketchikan, AK - USA
Related news:
Boro nixes arts center land exchange
Ketchikan Daily News...
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