King County Local Voters Pamphlet--2000 Primary Election

King County Local Voters Pamphlet
September 19, 2000 Primary Election

City of Kent - Proposition No. 1

BALLOT TITLE

PROPOSITION NO. 1
CIVIC AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
BONDS - $14,000,000

The City Council of the City of Kent passed Ordinance No. 3518, concerning construction and financing of a civic and performing arts center. This ballot proposition, if approved, will authorize the City to design, construct and equip a civic and performing arts center, issue no more than $14,000,000 of general obligation bonds for that purpose maturing within 20 years, and levy annual excess property taxes to pay and retire such bonds, all as provided in Ordinance No. 3518. Should this proposition be:

Approved __ Rejected __

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

If approved by the voters, Proposition No. 1 would authorize the City of Kent to issue up to $14 million of general obligation bonds to provide funds for part of the cost of designing, constructing and equipping a civic and performing arts center in downtown Kent, as provided for in City of Kent Ordinance No. 3518.

The facility as proposed would consist of a large main theatre and a second multi-form theatre, both available for community and civic meetings, events, and a range of performing arts programs. The City of Kent is working in partnership with the non-profit Kent Civic and Performing Arts Center organization to develop and operate the facility.

The bonds, which would mature within twenty (20) years from their date, or within any shorter period fixed by the Kent City Council, would be paid for through annual property tax levies made on all taxable property within the City of Kent in excess of regular property tax levies without limitation as to rate or amount, but only in amounts sufficient to pay both principal and interest when due. The bonds shall be issued and sold in the manner, and at the times and in the amounts as shall be determined hereafter by ordinance of the Kent City Council.

STATEMENT FOR

Kent is a wonderful community. We have great parks, nationally recognized schools, and a vibrant business community. One thing Kent lacks is a civic and performance center where our growing community can meet, and attend professional and local arts, entertainment and cultural events. For 10 years a Kent citizens' group has worked to make a civic and performing arts center a reality. After talking with residents and researching other centers they developed a detailed business plan. This plan has earned endorsements from the Kent Reporter, South County Journal, and the Kent Chamber of Commerce. For the average homeowner, building the Kent Civic and Performing Arts Center will cost $2.65 a month. As the city continues to grow, this cost will decrease. Efforts to raise the private funding necessary to complete the center are on track. With your YES vote, Kent residents of all ages will gain a place to gather, celebrate and have fun together for years to come. Vote YES on Proposition 1!

STATEMENT PREPARED BY: DON CAMPBELL, PATRICIA CURRAN, DALE SMITH

REBUTTAL OF STATEMENT AGAINST

Kent needs this center. As the South County Journal recently reported, existing facilities cannot meet our community's need for professional-quality, community-based civic and entertainment events. They're too small, overbooked and limited to public school priorities. Private donations will fund 37% of the costs to build this publicly-owned Center. Its civic uses and diverse programs will provide something for every Kent resident. This citizen-led effort will truly create a "center for all."

STATEMENT AGAINST

The Kent Performing Arts Center is not a necessity. In times when most people believe they have reached the limits of their ability to pay more taxes the Mayor and City Council members seem to think all citizens have unlimited resources. Why do they think Kent needs another Performing Art Center when there are already four under utilized PAC's within fifteen minutes of downtown. The Kent Performing Art Center will make a few citizens happy and fulfilled. They will have a fourth PAC and the rest of us will have at least fourteen million dollars less to commit for important things like new and remodeled schools, school books, additional teachers, additional police facilities and manpower. Many of our streets need repairs and traffic controls. Although not yet approved by voters the city has spent 2.8 million to purchase land, pay a consultant, do several studies and hire a PAC director. This Performance Art Center is another monument to the wishes of a few citizens who want all taxpayers to pay the bill. Kent voters must examine their priorities and choose to spend their tax dollars on things that are really needed. Vote NO on Performing Art Center.

STATEMENT PREPARED BY: MARTIN PLYS, JOE RUBIO, TED KOGITA

REBUTTAL OF STATEMENT FOR

Enhanced educational and creative opportunities only have meaning if people are prepared to accept them. Kent citizens have had access to four Performing Arts Centers for years and most of them have never visited any of them. We already have sufficient Performing Arts Facilities for the few who require them. It makes little sense to fund another for 30-50 million dollars, especially, at the risk of not having funds for real needs later.

NOTE: The Division of Records and Elections is not authorized to edit statements, nor is it responsible for their contents.

Updated: August 31, 2000

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