Re: 1912 center: proposal for dialogue

[WMSteed@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/5/00 6:43:18 PM, kbird@uidaho.edu writes:

<< Talking with our friends and neighbors over the past few months, we

have discovered how divided Moscow residents are about this project. >>


K., Thanks.  This is the first time anyone has admitted the entire community 
isn't behind this idea.   

My belief is that in this community of 20,000 there are only a few hundred 
persons actually behind to this project.  The purchase price donations 
consisted of only 131 checks and counting all names you only find 161 people 
and organizations.  Even if you were to presume each donation represented two 
persons that's only 262.  

My problems with the 1912 building are not those of "oversight, hidden costs 
and secrecy."  I just do not believe the building or its proposed uses are 
worth the cost even at the original low estimate much less at the latest high 
one.  Add to that the now projected annual maintenance cost and it really 
doesn't make sense to me.  We've gone from "no tax dollars" to $180,000 in sta
rt up costs and $156,000 annual operating expense.

I learned years ago that Value equals Benefits divided by Cost.  I am 
convinced this project does not meet that criteria and do not believe that 
the proposed end product will see community wide use.  



Walter Steed