Three board members for Downtown Greensboro, Inc. (DGI) had an op-ed piece in the News and Record Saturday arguing against the modest cut the city of Greensboro proposes for its funding (unposted). They argue, without proving their point, that this budgetary reduction will limit the growth of downtown. The presumption is that the level of funding for this particular agency correlates directly with the growth of downtown; but no proof is offered to support that claim.
In addition, the piece identifies downtown as "the city's largest and most important district". Now, wait a minute! I thought we were supposed to believe that designation belongs to the Coliseum. Every time Matt Brown has a new proposal for the Coliseum-- the amphitheater, the aquatic center, etc.-- we are supposed to bow in reverence because of its putative economic importance.
But this week, at least, downtown has preeminence over the Coliseum as DGI vies to maintain funding at current levels. Everyone, once again, must bow.
The premise that taxpayers should be supporting the interests of downtown property owners, or that the aesthetic preferences of downtown advocates must be appeased, should not take precedence over worthy municipal activities. And I will be very glad if we do not have a tax increase this year.
"They argue, without proving their point, that this budgetary reduction will limit the growth of downtown. The presumption is that the level of funding for this particular agency correlates directly with the growth of downtown; but no proof is offered to support that claim."
Same old worn out tired "stuff", different day.
Posted by: Bubba | May 31, 2011 at 12:54 PM
My husband and I met with Chris Lawyer for coffee this past week. Chris is running for City Council at large. He is a very bright and down to earth young man. He has alot of good ideas to improve downtown Greensboro without spending alot or even any money. He wants to represent all the Districts in the City and listen to all sides. He does not want to raise taxes but wants to use the city's funds in a fiscally conservative manner. He wants to go line by line through the budget -finance the basic responsibilites of Government and add on what can be afforded as needed. He has no aspirations to be a career politician. He is very concerned about what is happening to Greensboro and our Country and wants to serve. Maybe the Council needs some "new blood!"
Posted by: Joanne Wittenborn | June 01, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Joanne, I agree, Chris is a good guy, and I look forward to his candidacy.
Bubba, you are right. It is the same old stuff the downtown crowd is peddling.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | June 02, 2011 at 08:56 AM