At the Sept. 12 council meeting, alderman David Mitchell urgently requested that the CAPC deliver its 10-year plan for how it will support operations and promotion of the Auditorium. He expressed fear that voters would refuse to approve the one percent tax on the Nov. 8 ballot, which he has ardently supported, because 25 percent of the tax would go to support operations and maintenance of the Auditorium. Mitchell claimed the CAPC needs to show voters very clearly and convincingly how it will step up its participation in supporting the facility.
Alderman James DeVito said the CAPC had its only meeting since Mitchell’s “eleventh hour request” just last week, and the commission needed more time for something this important. He claimed the CAPC intends to fulfill Mitchell’s request, but not at this meeting. He said he mentioned at the CAPC meeting that if the tax passes, the commission could use the $110,000 it spends now on Auditorium upkeep on additional promotion of shows instead. He said they soon would convene a workshop on the topic.
Mitchell still insisted state law says the CAPC is obligated to provide for the town’s convention center, and it has not met its obligation. The lack of attention is reflected in the sparse number of shows over the years, and voters are not happy about it. He repeated he did not want to see the tax fail because it is vital to repairing the city’s aging water and sewer systems. However, he assured council “citizens are pissed off” enough to vote against it, and warned citizens might mount a movement to take away part of the three percent CAPC tax.
DeVito responded that the CAPC never said, “Please let us handle the Auditorium.” Previous administrations gave the situation to previous CAPC staff. The current staff, however, has done well promoting the city as evidenced by one of the best-sustained growth rates in the state, and “suddenly we’re thrown this curve ball.”
He claimed the commission was already evaluating new strategies before Mitchell made his request. DeVito maintained the CAPC staff could not continue to promote the city the way it has plus try to promote shows at the Auditorium. However, the one percent tax would provide a great opportunity to improve the facility and bring in more shows, which is what citizens want.
Alderman Terry McClung said it was a rare event, but he agreed with DeVito. He said the tug-of-war that has surrounded the Auditorium might finally end if the Auditorium gets a steady revenue stream from the tax and a commission to administer the funds. Plus, there would be the additional support from the CAPC. He commented everyone has wanted the historic facility to succeed, but no one yet has found a way to make it work.
“The only way I know to make it work is to pass this tax,” McClung commented.
Mitchell repeated his view that voters still need to be convinced the CAPC will carry its weight, and they need to know soon.