Sun, Nov 26, 2006
Councilman Withdraws Item From Agenda
In a move reflective of the adage
one must choose one's battles carefully, Phoenix city Councilman
Dave Siebert struck plans for an aviation museum from the council's
agenda.
According to the Arizona Republic, Siebert sent a memo to the
city manager citing "overwhelming support from veterans and
corporations state-wide." Siebert says he'll pursue private funding
to build the museum.
A recent feasibility study conducted by the city estimated the
cost of a premier facility at $50 million. Although Siebert says
he's pursuing alternate funding, the city's mayor Phil Gordon told
the Republic "there won't be a museum."
The city was to make a decision next Wednesday concerning the
museum slated to reside at Sky Harbor Airport. Siebert says if he
can get the money, he'll still purchase and preserve vintage and
military aircraft and display them in various locations.
The main opposition to the idea came from the arts community.
The proposal would have used money earmarked for art projects
around the city; the arts community said they didn't believe the
aircraft qualified as art.
Others in the city bristled because the proposal was
fast-tracked circumventing the normal approval process. That
process requires all such proposals be vetted by the Phoenix Arts
and Culture Commission.
Siebert hasn't given up all hope of a museum yet. "I think we
received more support than opposition, but you try to make as many
people pleased as you can," Siebert said. "It's disappointing for
the veterans, but I still think it will happen in our community to
preserve our history."
He says he's considering including the project in next year's
bond program and working with the Veteran's Commission in forming a
non-profit organization to raise the money.
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