Council Saves 2% for the Arts

Good news.  Item 5A on today's City Council agenda was an attempt to strip the 2% for the arts from street construction projects. Council members Acosta, Ortega and Niland argued forcefully for keeping the 2%. In addition, Ortega and Niland made the argument that to change the policy on funding of the arts should be something that originates with Council and not the City Manager and the staff. By a vote of 5 to 2 the item was deleted, in effect deep sixing the de-funding of the arts. Ann Lilly voted against deletion but had already said that she would go with a compromise proposed by Mayor Cook for funding 1%. No surprise: Dr. No voted no. Representatives Robinson and Holguin voted for deletion. Rep. Byrd is absent today.