Who could argue with the idea of funding a children’s theater in downtown Everett? Arts are important to the community and we applaud what the city has done in support of the arts. Considered on its own merits we think it’s a fine idea.
Yet, the rub is that we can’t afford to fund every project, and thus all initiatives must be considered in terms of what won’t be funded as a result of funding the children’s theater. With the current economy, we’re afraid that the City Council is out of touch in regard to spending our money.
Perhaps we should reconsider our priorities during this time of uncertainty:
How will funding a children’s theater look to all the families concerned about losing their jobs and living from paycheck to paycheck, especially when gas and food prices are at record levels?
Is this how Everett responds when the state and county governments are preparing themselves for the slowing economy by reducing their spending?
Maybe the money should go to code compliance to clean up our neighborhoods or library improvements, particularly at our south branch; parks or open space improvements, particularly in South Everett; or how about re-enforcing the bridge on Broadway?
We support the development of a downtown plaza because we need some open space downtown, but we don’t support the spending of approximately $1.5 million for a children’s theater just so KidStage can have more classrooms when there are other, higher priorities throughout the city. According to reports, KidStage will only serve approximately 1,000 to 1,500 kids a year.
American culture has placed movie stars on a pedestal. Not Nobel prize winners, inventors, environmentalists or teachers. Maybe this $1.5 million should go toward encouraging kids to pursue one of these paths. Maybe even something more practical, like teaching kids to read.
Paul and Sue Donovan
Everett
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