Proposed performing arts center isn’t too small, it’s right-sized for Tri-Cities | Opinion

Performing arts center proposal is just right for Tri-Cities

This is a response to the recent letter by Vic Epperly asking Richland voters to reject the ballot measure to build a performing arts center. He is inaccurate claiming the Arts Center Task Force is ignoring the needs of the community by focusing on an 800-seat theatre.

A large theater would be prohibitively expensive to build and impossible to run without continuous, large operational subsidies. The estimated cost of a 1,500-seat theater is at least $180 million according to LMN Architects, beyond the combined funding capacity of the Richland and Kennewick Public Facilities Districts. Such a large theater would be expensive to operate, unaffordable for community arts groups and drain the financial resources of the Public Facilities District.

Studies we commissioned indicate that an 800-seat theater is both affordable to build and operate and will not require an operating subsidy. This Center will support the needs of local community groups and will host dozens of touring shows.

An 800-seat performing arts center is not a compromise. It is the optimal size in terms of both affordability and sustainability and will transform our community. I strongly urge a “yes” vote on the ballot measure.

Blake Smith, Richland

Executive Director Arts Center Task Force

Irrigators say tariff talk is misguided

Growing concerns expressed by production agriculture members and industry groups toward new federal administration tariffs is right on the money. The U.S. Federal Reserve Bank via the National Bureau of Economic Research (May 2024) pegged the previous Trump administration tariffs in 2018-19, as reducing all U.S. net welfare (GDP value) by 3%, and stock-financial markets by $4.12 trillion (firm equity value).

My take on the impacts to Ag production sales is about 30-50%, for various sectors during 2017-2019, using the USDA-NASS data (roughly $11 billion).

I can find no value in threatening new tariffs. They will neither yield policy results in the drug wars--effective U.S. responsibility?--nor will they punish the evil Chinese Communists. Thus far, President-Elect Trump is offering cliches that do not reflect intricate inter-industry relationships in international trade. Stomping your feet and telling industries to build more in the U.S., or trade less with key economic partners, displays a major lack of economic literacy.

Tariffs will harden all foreign markets to seek other trade agreements beyond the U.S. Ag Production markets. If the guys/gals in the Agricultural Industry do not get it now, they certainly will in 2025-26.

Do Not Tariff on Me.

Darryll Olsen

Columbia-Snake River Irrigators Association

This holiday season, remember those who serve

As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, let us take a moment to honor and appreciate the incredible dedication of those who serve as our first responders.

These brave individuals, including pilots and life flight professionals who are ready to take off at a moment’s notice, as well as our devoted medical professionals, embody selflessness and courage every day. Their unwavering commitment to protecting our safety and responding to emergencies is truly inspiring.

They stand ready, day and night, to step into action when we need them most. Let us also remember the men and women of our armed forces, who stand vigilant around the world, safeguarding our freedom and ensuring our nation’s security.

We are profoundly fortunate to have such compassionate and courageous people looking out for us. May we carry their example of service and dedication in our hearts this holiday season and beyond.

Robert Marple, Richland

Frustrated with Kennewick police response

Where have our police gone? The ‘woke’ mentality has all but faded out, but our police are still responding to calls by phone appointment. What an insult to the tax payers and the community.

If I call the police, I need the police. I don’t need a phone call 3 hours later. I fear this lack of accountability will lead to an escalated confrontations with officers. Dispatched calls to a docile situation can turn violent at the drop of a hat. This new haphazard approach to law enforcement response has compromised the trust of the community. Yet in a system designed to shrink the appearance of law enforcement at dispatched calls we have officers detaining someone at a traffic stop for doing 7 mph over the speed limit by four city police officers.

This is a tremendous use of force for the situation. It seems to be counterintuitive if the desired outcome is to appear more community friendly. Furthermore those three other cops could be returning phone calls. Heck they might even have time to show up in person. As someone who has served in law enforcement, this is ridiculous.

KPD do better.

Micah Ian Dancy, Kennewick