Canadian Musicians Employment Status Archive LETTERS TO THE EDITOR LONDON FREE PRESS Saturday March 4, 2000
Music nurtures the soul, biotech feeds bottom line When I read about London's talented orchestra needing cash, I had a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach. Londoners would rather give $5 million, without hesitation, to a biotech incubator from which none of us will realize the benefits. This is your municipal tax money going to a huge facility that will be commandeered by private enterprise. We won't even know what they will be using or abusing this incubator for. Those using the facility will be under no obligation to share with us exactly what's going on or which multinational company will reap the benefits. While business people are salivating over the possible jobs the incubator may accrue, London slams the door on the musicians and families who already live here. We should support cultural venues, as they nurture the soul. I can't imagine living in a city that doesn't proudly promote its own orchestra and theatre. Who would intentionally move here while other cities are thriving culturally? I personally would like to allocate my tax dollars toward the orchestra and the arts, not to the incubator. Anyone who shares similar views should let city hall know. Speak to the mayor, controllers and councillors.
D. T. KNAPP
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