Should Ketchikan be spending cruisers' money on an arts center?

[mercedes]

The Alaskan port town of Ketchikan plans to spend $500,000 of the tax money it gets from cruisers on a new performing arts center -- a controversial use of funds that by state law must go to improve port and harbor facilities or tourist-related services.

The Seattle Times today reports the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly voted 4-2 this week to take the money for the performing arts center from the port's commercial passenger vessel fund.

The performing arts center will be used by the Ketchikan Theatre Ballet and First City Players.

The Times says one of the dissenting assembly members, Glen Thompson, warned that the appropriation is not a proper use of the fund and could be challenged in court.

[JoeyandDavid]

I like the idea myself..

[deb1220]

I guess they could make the argument that tourists and cruise passengers could use the facility - as a possible excursion perhaps?

[coloradocruisers]

Doesn't bother me any.

[TheSkipper]

Can't get too worked up about it. Perhaps AIG can built it for them out of the Bonus Money Fund.

[zebra]

Why would we really care.... after all, do we have any idea what all the other ports spend the tax money on?..... not that I'm aware of.

[jacketwatch]

I see a problem. What is to prevent them from using money tagged for one purpose for others? Especially these days its clear we have to be more strict with how money is spent.

[Shari2]

Lots of good thoughts, here. If it's state law...I think they should stick with the law. What good are laws if we don't abide by them? On the other hand, a performing arts center could be used by tourists, too...and extra money will be brought in, so this could be considered as part of the port and tourist money...so...lots to toss around here.