PEORIA -- Voting for a candidate or a proposition is like deciding to believe in a supreme being --it takes a leap of faith.
Will the candidate do what is promised? Will the proposition -- say the so-called public facilities tax that would fund the museum block on Peoria's riverfront -- work out as advertised?
All we have is a track record, on a candidate or on the museum backers and opponents.
The Peoria establishment on a bi-partisan basis is solidly behind the museum tax, which they say will cost about $17 a year, based on a 25-cent-per-$100 sales tax on non-titled goods. Titled big ticket items like cars and boats are exempt.
Republicans and Democrats alike want the business connected with the construction. Do they care about culture or history? No. Most will eagerly demolish any significant, unique building if they decide they can make 10 cents more out of the property than saving it would generate.
They want the money -- their pals in the construction industry, finance industry and unions will all make money out of building the block.
But the opponents also care only about money. They are anti-tax fanatics -- and see any new tax as evil.
Some of them, though not all, also have a bad track record of opposing the Kellar Branch Recreational Trail, a significant economic development initiative for Peoria at little cost. Why? Who knows. Irrational love of railroads in the wrong places, perhaps. That's the history they care about, apparently.
So how to decide how to vote?
Ultimately I must come down on the side of cultural promise of the museum block, and hope for the best, a leap of faith. The money -- $17 a year -- is peanuts, a small time gamble for a big payoff if the promises for the museums and Caterpillar visitors center are even half viable.
Opponents say the museums will not be economically sustainable, and require annual fund-raising. Well, that's OK -- a good fund-raiser is also fun.
So -- I voted for the tax, and have no regrets. (Early voting ends on April 2.)
I love museums. That's the best reason to travel. Peoria's rich history should make for a great museum. Perhaps it will inspire some of the elites to become interested in Peoria's architectural history, as well, and step up efforts to preserve it.
After all, Peoria has no control over Caterpillar, Inc. Like the weather, it will do what it will do.
But Peoria can control its historical and architectural legacy -- the one thing that separates Peoria from other downstate cities and might save it as a destination, even if Caterpillar moves to Antarctica.
My other election endorsement involves Beth Akeson, who is running for the Third District Peoria City Council seat.
Ironically Beth opposes the museum tax, because the plan is flawed. She's right about the plan, and if the tax passes, and she is elected, I trust her to work to modify it into something better. She also likes museums and favors historic preservation.
-- Elaine Hopkins
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