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Cut equally or not at all
By Beth Antonsen

 

December 23, 2009
Wednesday


To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is written to encourage all of you to reconsider the recent cuts to the non-profits. It is commendable that you have decided to reinstate some of the non-profits to 90% of their budgets but there are still two vital agencies you have left at 50% in cuts. Please, if you are going to cut the agencies do it equally the same to all, including to the Visitor's Bureau.

The Arts Council is a very important, vital part of this community. What we get in return from money spent on the Arts Council is well documented (call them for the information). The return is well worth the investment.

To cut the Arts Council by 50% is a bad business decision, period. Not only is it bad for business but bad for the well-being of the community. I am sure I am not the only one who relies on the wonderful entertainment they bring to town and numerous festivals.

As you know, it is very expensive to travel from Ketchikan to access world class, live entertainment. With the arts council's Torchnight series we can experience world class entertain right here.

When Ketchikan is still in need of economic development which requires that we are able to attract people to live and work here, we are foolish to cut the Arts Council's funds. What they bring to the community helps to make it a place people want to call home.

If our water and electric rates are going up anyway I want some of the money to go to the non-profits. We are not saving a huge amount by cutting non-profits and we will lose so much.

If you must cut these agencies it is only fair to cut them all equally or not at all and anything more than 10% is too much. Please consider what we get in return for the small amount we have been giving and reinstate the Arts Council and Historic Ketchikan grants to at least 90%.

Sincerely,

Beth Antonsen
Ketchikan, AK

About: "I am a llife long resident of Ketchikan."

Received December 16, 2009 - Published December 23, 2009

 

 

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