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In for a penny, in for a pound
A project as grand, broad and potentially spectacular as the Arts of Collin County isn’t going to move forward without some headaches and defections. The commission that heads the project is suffering both defections and headaches right now.
But now is not the time to abandon the plans to build an arts hall that all of Collin County can call its own.
Now is the time for leadership and tough decision-making.
It’s a gamble and it’s a gamble with taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. But unless private benefactors step up this is what’s going to be needed. If the arts hall project is going to be more than a dream then more money has to be raised. In order to prime the private donor pump it appears the cities will have to step up once again. If they don’t there’s a good chance the project will die.
The one thing that the commission cannot count on is McKinney. McKinney has had more than one opportunity to join in the process. Had they wanted to be a part of the ground then the construction would be underway. But the residents of McKinney have not shown a stirring interest to get involved and there is no clear indication that they are going to change their minds. The arts commission needs to found its money elsewhere. If McKinney does decide to involve itself in the project in the future then their assistance would be more than welcome. But there’s no point hoping when there’s planning and working that needs to be done.
There is loyal opposition to this project as there is with virtually everything dealing with taxpayer money. Their criticism should be heard and, when valid, acted upon. The problem with constant criticism is those hearing that criticism become numb to it. They aren’t sure what is real and what is just noise. Arts commissioners and administrators have spent a great deal of money researching the complaints of these critics. It’s painful to do but necessary so that the public is always aware of what’s going on. And a project of this magnitude has to have credibility to succeed. The only way to have that credibility is to be as accessible to the public as possible.
As for the defectors, well, it’s difficult for some to continue to support a project when there is little visible progress. However, true community leaders should have the vision necessary to see past the challenges and envision the final masterpiece. This was a good idea in 2002 and it’s a good idea now.
The three cities need to do whatever is necessary to make the arts hall a success for all of Collin County. It’s time to step up and make it happen. Then it will be time for all of Collin County to support those efforts.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
voter wrote on May 1, 2008 4:58 AM:
" This paper owes it to the readers to give them the truth about what has gone on at the ACCC. Even that other paper knows & wont print it. They are afraid of the powers that be. But that is not getting the job done. The publci knows, even with all the petty emails that Steve Matthews sends. Robbie Robinson has know about the ethics problems for years,some one tell the truth.. "
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Richardson's Eisemann Center costs the Richardson taxpayers $850,000 every year because private donations add up to only $50,000 and the operating budget is $2 million. For $850,000, they get to see plays like "Menopause: The Musical" if they pay $45 per ticket on top of the $850,000 in taxes.
McKinney doesn't want any part of this expensive arts project because they already have their own project in downtown McKinney and it has been a big flop.
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