Canadian Musicians Employment Status Archive LONDON FREE PRESS Sunday May 7, 2000
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Orchestra, theatre deserve fair treatment on funding Why our tax dollars should support Orchestra London and the Grand Theatre: Taxes now support numerous programs that don't appeal to every taxpayer, but this is important if London families are to enjoy interesting and well-balanced lifestyles. Tax dollars support hockey, soccer, swimming, tennis, baseball, football, parks and even some festivals. No one can possibly participate in all programs, but certain activities are enjoyed by almost everyone. Just as hockey and soccer appeal to some, music and drama appeal to others and all these programs deserve support. How can we criticize any individual program because we don't participate personally? How much do each of these programs cost taxpayers on a per capita basis? Should not the symphony and the theatre be supported in a similar manner? Council should look at the overall picture by doing a detailed analysis on a per capita basis. Then a "basic philosophy" could be established to serve as a guideline. Council's job is to serve all Londoners. And that means fair and equitable treatment for all worthwhile activities, including Orchestra London and the Grand Theatre.
J. M. KELLY
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