Local View: Lincoln taxpayers can't afford not to have an arena
Lincoln Journal Star
February 21, 2010
By Joe Hampton
After many years of watching many local businesses transform from local ownership to branch status of a larger group, it is gratifying to see the limited number of leaders of local business, known as Vision 2015, step up with a willingness to once again participate in supporting the growth of Lincoln.
They should be applauded, not criticized.
It is said the city is the final backup for $319 million. If well-thought out plans fail, the city is the final backup for most every issue the city considers or finances; and yet, the city has been called on to play that role on very few occasions.
I do not see critics stepping forward with time, money or solutions, other than complaining about a declining city.
We have poor streets, without a doubt. Does that mean critics are willing to support a bond issue after turning down a chance recently to maintain and improve the streets? Whether we like it or not, we have to compete with other communities and provide the venues that constitute an up-to-date city.
Or do we slip back to a backwater community, unable to attract jobs and people? Lincoln has always been a host for outstate high school athletic programs and an attraction for University of Nebraska-Lincoln athletic programs. Do we want them to go elsewhere?
No doubt property taxes are a burden to most payers. The only relief is the growth of the sales tax to keep property tax from further growth - or do we want to curtail essential service? How many police officers or firefighters do we cut out? What other services in public health?
Would we have built the Capitol in similar economic times, with "can't do" attitudes that some people have today?
After 85 years of living and 63 years in a city that allowed me to succeed in business, I have found opportunity does not happen when you are ready; it happens when you find a way for it to happen. The arena is an opportunity for this city.
