I’m not in favor of using CBJ property tax monies to fund building the new Juneau Arts and Culture Center. In fact, I do not believe that property tax funds should be used for anything that does not benefit the majority of the citizens who pay property taxes in this town.
I used to play basketball in the armory building that currently houses the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council. It’s an old building with a myriad of problems that could be extremely problematic during demolition and disposal of the building. These costs should not be borne by tax-paying citizens.
The JACC serves a specific sector of Juneau residents, a relatively small sector of our population. They should continue their fundraising efforts and secure more donations for their project. I urge the “new Assembly” to permanently table funding requests that do not meet the criteria of Juneau residents first regarding necessary services. And support organizations such as the new JACC as they pursue private funding. Projects like funding the new JACC should never make it to a ballot in the CBJ during these fiscally uncertain times.
Kerry L. Lindley,
Juneau