Matt Brown on swim center, auditorium bonds
Scoop heard that Greensboro Coliseum Director Matt Brown made some strong statements about two failed bond projects earlier this week, during a Greensboro Rotary Club meeting.
Unfortunately, Scoop is neither a mover nor a shaker and wasn't invited. Since we didn't hear his speech first-hand, we asked Brown to summarize it. This is what he sent:
"My comments were directed to those in attendance who did not support the War Memorial Auditorium or Swim Center bonds. I said they failed to do what their parents and grandparents did in 1956, when they voted to provide for their children and their children’s children at the time a new PAC to insure that everyone had a chance to enjoy a variety of cultural entertainment.
"I chided them by saying shame on them for failing to provide for the next generations what their parents and grandparents provided to them for the sake of less than $20 a year. I am sure (former) community leaders such as Mayor Bill Sullivan, Charlie Hagan, Sidney Stern were equally concerned about the impact such a facility would have on their taxes, but chose to believe that having such a venue for our community would be more than worth it.
"My comment about the Swim Center was that it should never have been a single focal issue. What Parks and Recreation administrative or commission priority process went into thinking that our community needed a skate board park for hundreds of participants but not a year round indoor Swim Center which would be used by tens of thousands?
"Had the Swim Center been included in the P&R bond, it would have likely passed at $14.5 million, as it did at $5.5M.
"How sad to have missed such a great opportunity to provide our community with functioning, year-round recreational, teaching and therapeutic facility and a potential signature architectural building to start the revitalization of High Point Road."
Comments (7)
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Honesty is refreshing.
Posted on January 5, 2007 3:04 PM
Matt Brown needs to be reminded that he is just a City employee hired by us to manage a building. He certainly is not a community leader or public figure and City employees should not be out speaking against the voting of citizens on these issues. He just works in our building.
His Boss, Mitch Johnson, should sit him down and have an employee conference and remind him who he is. He can easily be replaced.
Posted on January 17, 2007 3:41 PM
As a big time swim center supporter I was extremely disappointed in the outcome and I do agree with Mr Brown in this regard. The skate board park just added insult to injury. Life goes on and kids throughout the city (county and state as well) remain underserved. Quality of life suffers another defeat. But it must be noted it was a resounding defeat. I am clear on that fact. Oh well, maybe we'll get some half assed, undersized, near obsolete upon completion facility someday.
David,
Operating the CVM complex is not a job for the timid. Speaking of timid... Did you chide our illustrious Mayor when he came out against the swim center project? Afterall, he too is just an employee. Or do only opinions with which you disagree rate your criticism? I orefer leaders with .......... shall we say .... kahones.
We missed a good opportunity. Plain and simple. The lack of support or downright opposition by this publication, some elected officials and the public was painful and will not be forgotten.
200 shredders get a park but 3000 swimmers get jack! Thanks.
!
Posted on January 19, 2007 9:50 AM
Mick missed the point again. There is a huge difference between the Mayor (elected politician paid to conceive and implement public policy)and the Coliseum manager ( hired department head City employee paid to carry out the policies of the citizens ) Asking Matt whether we need another building for him to manage is akin to asking the fox to guard the henhouse. The voters decided what they wanted. It's the way it is. Get over it.
Posted on January 19, 2007 11:36 AM
Agreed on Mayor vs Dept head.
However, I like Mr Brown's passion for his job. I suppose you would prefer a drab, 9-5er, puttin in his time behind a desk? He was hired to do a job and I prefer to see him pursuing that job with gusto and zeal.
Meanwhile swimming continues to die in our county schools due to lack of facilities. Thousands of club and summer swimmers get jack while the shredders prepare to perform in the city owned, single purpose, nonincome producing, half pipe park.
I was very clear on my take of the voters decision. That doesnt mean I have to like it and getting over it isnt so easy either and is my choice. You give up on your child's passion if you wish. I choose not to.
Posted on January 19, 2007 1:27 PM
Mick: I certainly applaud your support of your child's interest. My real point is not the specific referendum item ( nanatorium, auditorium, etc.) but that City employees should not lobby for or against bond referendums. That is exactly why you cannot expend public monies (government funds) to advertise for or against a public bond referendum. But he should not,acting as a City employee criticize the voters for voting. PS: My child swims at the YMCA. Nice pool and reasonable rates.
Posted on January 19, 2007 2:52 PM
Again, agreed (reluctantly). However, I find Matt Brown a breath of fresh air as far as public employees go (pols or Dept heads). From a distance anyway.
Trust me, I am fully aware of every swimming opportunity in town. I or my wife one could probably drive you to every competitive swim center in NC. Not to rehash the whole sha-bang but we were not talking or voting on a simple public pool (of which we lack as well) but a competitive swim facility. A facility the city, county and even state could use and be proud of. But no. The vote was deafening to say the least. We scratch it out as always. Pool space is so limited that The High Point and at least one Raleigh club are now hosting events in Huntersville, NC. (Charlotte area) I am sure we are soon to follow. It is that bad. Our "home" meets in winter are in Hillsborough, NC. Our summer meet at decrepit Lindley Park (subject to weather). Our county schools dont even hold their Championship Meet in our own county! Just plain silly to me.
It was worth $10 a year to me and some others but to not nearly enough. Life goes on.
The downtown Y does have a decent competitive program. Dave H has really brought it along since his arrival. Great guy too.
Posted on January 22, 2007 10:53 AM