Restore arts, BITV funds for good of community | Letters | Nov. 5

Published 4:24 pm Thursday, November 4, 2010

I have three requests of council, beginning with retaining funding for two vital elements in our community – but at reduced levels.

First, restore BITV funding so that the city can retain its independent TV news source – one that’s neither controlled nor potentially manipulated by the city.

While Seattle takes over management of its TV coverage in order to pull cable franchise fees into its general fund, Bainbridge is no Seattle. Seattle has 20-plus independent news media outlets, including: 15-20 newspapers (we have two); at least four major news radio stations (none here) and at least four major news TV stations (only BITV).

To bring TV coverage of City Hall business under the control of the city risks destroying our independent TV, our transparency and any expectancy of fair, unbiased coverage.

No one wants government to control the media, at whatever level. The community is counting on council to save BITV, a station that’s evolved over 25 years and provides the island with a multitude of high-interest programs.

Second, restore funding for the arts, this year and every year. Token support of 40 percent or even 25 percent in a down economy will show the community that the city remains committed to upholding the dictates of our comprehensive planning. We all know that the arts and cultural elements are essential to the social, cultural and the economic well-being of our community.

And to pay for a trimmed down BITV and the arts, consider one additional revenue source. Experts have said that our city staff is “top heavy.” Fix that during this budget cycle by cutting at least two senior management positions. Begin by acting on the recommendation of the 2006 benchmarking study to combine the planning and public works departments and eliminate up to two senior management positions.

Sally Adams

Bainbridge Island