Now
A Few Clouds
83°
High
82°
Low
63°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > Top Story
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

No vote on fair move

Comments 60 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

By DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Oct 27, 2006 - 11:56:59 am CDT

Two members of the State Fair Board squared off over whether the state fairgrounds should merge with the Lancaster Event Center during a meeting of the mayor’s arena task force Thursday.

Their verbal sparring overshadowed the rest of the meeting, during which the task force voted to recommend that the Nebraska State Fair and Lancaster Event Center combine campuses.

But they did not designate where.  The task force has previously supported consolidation of the two, so Thursday’s vote was anticlimactic.

Story Photo
Roger Larson (left) takes notes as representative of the West Haymarket District during Wednesday's task force meeting. (Gwyneth Roberts)

Related Link(s):


Related: See the proposed plans

Task force chairman Dick Campbell invited the group to weigh in on where the two venues to colocate, but nobody was brave enough to make a motion on the subject, so the matter died.

But it’s clear most of the task force supports moving the fair to the Event Center campus near 84th Street and Havelock Avenue.

That’s also the desire of a high-powered private group called the 2015 Visioning Group, whose existence was revealed in the press this week. The group wants to move the fair to make room for an expansion of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The state fair board representative on the task force, Tam Allan, didn’t hold back during Thursday’s meeting. He lambasted city Finance Director Don Herz for not consulting the State Fair Board to come up with consolidation cost estimates. He questioned who served on Herz’s committee.

He needled attorney Kent Seacrest about who he was representing (Seacrest is a member of the 2015 Group).

And he sparred with UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman over the legitimacy of Herz’s cost estimates.

In the end, the task force avoided the touchy issue of which entity should move, and simply expressed support for co-location of the two.

The task force will polish up its final report next week and then present it to Mayor Coleen Seng.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Top Story > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
EJ wrote on October 26, 2006 2:13 am:
" Why not declare the state fair park blighted so they can get there tax increment financing on the property that the state just spent a bundle on sprucing up. Can we find any other ways in this state to waste money? "

 I like it wrote on October 26, 2006 5:33 am:
" But who is goig to fit the bill for this one? Yep, us. "

 Lifelong Resident wrote on October 26, 2006 6:26 am:
" Personally, I hate the Event Center. The concept is great, the location is horrible. It caters only to people who live in eastern Lincoln. I avoid all events there after terrible experiences at Cajun Fest and Figure 8 Racing. The planning of these events was a failure, and I've been ripped off every time I've attended a function there. Living in West Lincoln, it better darn well be worth the drive across town, and so far it's never been. Please don't take my beloved State Fair and move it to that mudhole! "

 Late O'Day wrote on October 26, 2006 6:36 am:
" Something tells me none of this will ever be on a ballot -- because it'd lose BIG time, and the bureaucrats know it. We recognize a pig in a poke. We realize are pockets are to be picked to pay off those same investors. How ironic that something no one really wants will almost certainly sail through unimpeded, yet something with significant popular support like the drag strip is thwarted at every possible turn. Who's running the city? Out of state investors or the community? "

 ed wrote on October 26, 2006 6:36 am:
" Let the State Fair die. It is an outdated idea and should not be kept alive with tax dollars. Let private money run the fair, move it to the middle of the state, let it go. "

 State Fair Goer wrote on October 26, 2006 7:15 am:
" Don't move the STate Fair what is the problem with leaving it where it is. I remember going as a kid and have takin my children and now they are taking thiers to the beloved State FAir. Do we have to destroy everyones memorys. I know it needs some repair and some upgrading but don't take it to a dive like the Event Center. Our mayor needs to stop and think about what she is doing. After all what does she care shes leaving office. Maybe if we wouldn't be paying the new State Fair Director such a huge fee we could afford to fix up the Fair. He needs to get out and promote to get some more activities at the fair so we can get things done. "

 Dan wrote on October 26, 2006 7:19 am:
" Omaha does just fine without a fair and so will Lincoln. Let the fair move to Grand Island and use the land that it used to occupy for the university. "

 Sean wrote on October 26, 2006 7:24 am:
" Here's an idea...lets move the fair to Grand Island! Husker Harvest Days is great, maybe combine the two. Actually husker harvest days seems more like a fair than the fair does. Land is too expensive in Lincoln to support a failing fair anyway. "

 Fair supporter wrote on October 26, 2006 7:26 am:
" This group will weigh in on moving the fair so Harvey and pals can make a land grab of the state fair park for good old untouchable UNL. Sounds like a 1950 western where the old crusy land barron that owns the town and most of the land is trying to run off the last few homesteaders. Who really cares what this group recommends or votes, they do not own the event center or the fair park. The high powered private group and task force need to keep their noses in their own business. This action is replusive. "

 John wrote on October 26, 2006 7:40 am:
" The Event Center just seems like an ideal location for the Fair. It's easier to access from the Interstate for participants and visitors. There is limitless room to expand. Finally, the locations of buildings can be better planned with a clean slate from which to start. I enjoy going to the fair in its present location, but I do not enjoy navigating it. "

 jb wrote on October 26, 2006 7:55 am:
" It is possible for the state fair to be a huge, successful, money maker. Look how big it is in Iowa! Why can't Nebraska take some cues from our neighbor and make the state fair a big deal? "

 Amazed wrote on October 26, 2006 8:17 am:
" This group is like a large ladies aide group that meets and gossips for a few hours and then goes about being like little chicken littles. The voters in Lincoln will never approve such an item, and the cost would be totally out of line. Whether or not its a good idea for these groups to meet, they do not meet the needs of the city of Lincoln. The planning commision or whatever you want to call it needs to be desolved, look at the mistake we have on the city council from it. Too much power in the hands of people who are dangerously out of control. "

 Get a grip wrote on October 26, 2006 8:26 am:
" Let the city grow on its own strengths. The Event center was not totally supported by everyone and I for one think the place is a lost cause. Its dirty and the heat and cooling system leave much to be desired. It is like an old barn that doesn't fit in. The only plus for it is parking and that is even limited. Putting a fair ground out there would be like asking for more than that area could sustain without having some major renovations with the Electrical, physical plant, as well as maintenance, we already have all of that at the present location, and cost of renovating that would be much less. What is wrong with the current fair ground structure, people have been increasing attendance, and events seem to happen. Lincoln needs to accept what it is and grow according to its own needs and not pre concieved ideas from the dreamers of the world who are not practical. Put these dreamers on projects that require them to paint or write instead of messing with other peoples money. Its one thing to have money yourself and quite another to mess with other peoples money recklessly. Get a grip you guys and stay out of other peoples pockets. One day there will be laws that protect other peoples money and you will not be allowed to be so spendy. "

 bj. wrote on October 26, 2006 8:40 am:
" Omaha has a huge fair. It is called river city round up it combines the county fair, rodeo and large concerts at the Quest. I just think it is funny that a LINCOLN Comittie thinks it can tell the "STATE" what to do. "

 Adam wrote on October 26, 2006 8:43 am:
" The State Fair is like a bad county fair compared to most other State Fairs. It needs to be moved to a location with more accessibility and a better layout, perhaps they can even modernize a bit. For those of you UNL haters, wake up and realize that (despite the Mayor's wishes) Lincoln cannot survive as a one horse retirement community. Retirees can't pay the bills forever. We need new blood. Unfortunately, UNL grads leave in droves because of the stifling economic environment. There are no mountains or beaches here, but there is a good lifestyle. We need to foster an environment of growth and good jobs while selling the positive lifestyle benefits of Lincoln. We don't need acres of prime land rotting for 50 weeks a year so someone can relive their childhood for 2 weeks. "

 JR wrote on October 26, 2006 8:52 am:
" For a city of nearly a quarter-million residents, Lincoln is one big dysfunctional disappointment -- and I'm a Lincoln resident. For too long, Lincoln has had this expectation of entitlement that it should have every major statewide event, I guess just because it's Lincoln. This has allowed complacency and even neglect to creep in on the part of Lincoln's civic and business leaders. One doesn't have to look any further than that beat up old pickup called the Pershing Center to drive this point home! I'd like to see the State Fair and other statewide events start to move from Lincoln; maybe the State Fair should merge with existing events in Grand Island (Husker Harvest Days) or North Platte (Nebraskaland Days), and maybe the State high school basketball tournament be held in Omaha (Qwest Center) or Kearney (Tri-City Arena). This may be just the wake-up call the leaders of Lincoln need to start them working towards earning their rewards rather than sitting back and expecting them. "

 ted wrote on October 26, 2006 9:08 am:
" Let's see, the university brings in about $300 million in outside money to the state, and the fair loses money. The university has beautifully kept buildings and grounds.The fairs buildings are old and need rennovation. Yea,let's keep the fairgrounds as they are so a few locals can relive their youth. That makes perfect sense. "

 Dick wrote on October 26, 2006 9:13 am:
" I already don't attend the state fair very often, but if they move it out to 84 and adams, I definatly won't go. The events center is a pain to get in and out of. "

 What's the real issue? wrote on October 26, 2006 9:15 am:
" It seems to me that the politics in this has already muddied the issue. Is the issue whether or not the State Fair is viable? No, the fundamental issue is whether or not Lincoln needs a convention center. Lincoln cannot support a convention center, not because it's too small, but because such centers as a whole are not ecomonically viable and we can't afford to dump more public dollars into a money pit. Even if it was a good idea, it's not something the City can afford to do right now with all the funds that have been wasted on fire trucks and other political missteps. "

 OK wrote on October 26, 2006 9:56 am:
" I remember back when I attended the University in the 60's that the University was going to build east and eventually merge with the Ag Campus. That is why some greek houses were built on Vine street. Did that happen? I think the University taking over the fair grounds will come to the same conclusion. Now, do you want to attend classes in a building that is next door to the sewage treatment plant? The east end of the fair grounds are next to it. "

 dude wrote on October 26, 2006 9:58 am:
" the state fair sucks, its not 1923 anymore, people dont load up the car and drive to Lincoln for the state fair like they did 70 years ago. it is a waste of money. if you go to the state fair the majority of people there are kids on field trips from their schools. "

 Omahan-to-be wrote on October 26, 2006 10:19 am:
" Hey everybody! Let's move out of Lincoln!! "

 tim wrote on October 26, 2006 10:33 am:
" dump the state fair all together. let the private powers that be in lincoln create their own little festival. reallocate state fair's lottery money to a new convention center. designate the property blighted and 'give' it to UNL. "

 Donna wrote on October 26, 2006 10:37 am:
" The State Fair started to go down hill when University people got on Fair Board. Prettyman can not run a University why is he trying to run the State Fair. Oh yeh, he was put on board to represent the University. Now I get it. The partnership with the University and Devaney center has been a joke from day one. At least someone was smart enough to take the State Fair shows out of there. Right on for that. Build a fence around the Univesity and let them run it. "

 JC wrote on October 26, 2006 10:52 am:
" Stories like this appearing in the LJS legitimize groups that otherwise have no standing. A "high powered private group" is nothing other than another country club meeting until the LJS gives them credibility. I can pretty much guarantee you that the "private" aspect of the 2015 Group will go away the minute money is needed to fund their little projects. So Arena Task Force Chairman Don Campbell has "met with met with the group on occasion"... as the Chairman of a PUBLIC task force appointed by the City, shouldn't he have disclosed that he was meeting with this "shadow" group that may impact the dealings of the Task Force he chairs? And why are the Fair and Event Center even issues for this Task Force to vote on? I'll tell you why... because as Tam Allen says, the fix IS in. Write this down and look me up in five years... the Fair will move, either to the Event Center or Grand Island, UNL Chancellor Pearlman, who wants the Fairgrounds for the University but can't openly say so since he's on the Fair Board, will have "brokered" some kind of deal to get the Fairgrounds for the University. One aspect of this "deal" will be that the University will sell part of the land to the City and be a participant (with your state tax dollars) in a new arena for use by the City and the University. The "high powered" ones, elected by no one, will all pat themselves on the back for how they made all this happen... with your tax dollars. I have nothing against progress, folks, but when it involves tax dollars, it needs to be done in the light of day, not among Lincoln's elite at some private country club. "

 just do it wrote on October 26, 2006 11:27 am:
" if it is good for lincoln than do it and quit all the back and forth! WE need something to bring in more money just bieng the capitol of NE and football central are not doing the trick! "

 Bryan wrote on October 26, 2006 11:49 am:
" When I voted to direct money from the lottery to the state fair, I was under the impression it would be to renovate the buildings that were in need. Sounds like the fair got some money coming its way and now Lincoln wants to get it off of UNL's property. In fact, I've also heard talk about eliminating the lottery money. Of course, that's because Nebraska cannot come up with it's share of the money. I will be VERY disappointed in this state if it moves the fair after Nebraskans voted to put money into REbuilding the state fair, not starting over. Also, I have heard and seen a lot more opposition to moving the fair...but it sounds like Mayor Seng doesn't care about anyone's opinion except her own and that of a task force...don't the citizen's votes and opinions matter anymore? "

 outtatowner wrote on October 26, 2006 12:02 pm:
" My family enjoys our yearly trip to the State Fair, along with the many other trips to Lincoln that we make! We like it's present location because we stay on 27th St. and it's just a short trip to the State Fair from where we stay. We also like the variety of lodging and restaurants available to us on 27th Street. What would this new location have to offer for lodging and food? And shouldn't it be considered a conflict of interest for Perlman to serve on the State Fair Board? "

 JMK wrote on October 26, 2006 12:29 pm:
" maybe, just maybe 423 would prevent this waste of money "

 JT wrote on October 26, 2006 12:31 pm:
" Sounds like a good idea to me. State Fair Park is an eyesore 50 weeks out of the year and it doesn't look all that great during the fair either. We are not getting rid of the fair, that's a terrible idea. Let's move it out east to 84th and let the University continue to expand. "

 Nancy wrote on October 26, 2006 12:33 pm:
" This is Nebraska's state fair, not Lincoln's state fair. Why should the mayors task force even be voting on the STATE fair move? "

 Bah wrote on October 26, 2006 1:11 pm:
" The comment about 423 shows just how ignorant people are about this ridiculous amendment! "

 SPC wrote on October 26, 2006 1:14 pm:
" The citizens voted to direct money into the current State Fair site / buildings for renovations and or upgrades. If the Fair is moved are the citizens going to get taxed again to help pay for the move? I guess Mayor Seng doesn't care since her politcal career is pretty much over with. Is this her last ditch effort to provide extra revenue coming into her favored northeast lincoln part of town? Just a thought... "

 TK wrote on October 26, 2006 1:29 pm:
" I moved back three years ago, went to the State Fair once and never again. Went to the event center and froze when cold and roasted when hot. Never again. I have little hope after all these years, now they want to do all this building when prices are at they're peak???? And they will expect the retireds who are already strapped with taxes to START dishing out at their whims. I left here in the 1950's and everyplace out of this state, grew and prospered. Not Lincoln, set here and took no advantage to grow with the I 80 right at their front door. With 85% of business/industry with 25 or less employees is a disgrace!! I love to go to the Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio etc state fairs. They are nice, big clean and fun. They grow and their buildings are kept in excellant condition. The collisum at the Indiana State Fair I spent many years ice skating and going to dog shows and on and on. Leadership in Lincoln is next to - or past nil!!!! I'm on my way out, have fun making your mud pies. "

 whatever wrote on October 26, 2006 2:02 pm:
" Well, at least people are formulating some ideas to get something rolling with the fair/convention center etc. Better than the NOTHING that has been going on. Now, if Lincoln will only examine the attitude and image it projects to a good deal of the rest of the state, then MAYBE something positive will happen. It's a long road to travel, but it isn't impossible. "

 lotteryplayer wrote on October 26, 2006 2:15 pm:
" when i voted for the lottery funds to go to the state fair it wasnt so it could be moved to another location. dumb me, us, for voting more funds to support rebuilding, guess we should have been asking, rebuilding where? once again the voters have been scammed and once they get the money we have no say in how they actually spend the funds. sad, very sad. "

 Hummmm wrote on October 26, 2006 3:21 pm:
" And just how much more is it going to cost us. Couldn't they remodel in phase? "

 HUMMMMMMM wrote on October 26, 2006 3:41 pm:
" Another one that the voters will NOT have a say in. "

 JMT wrote on October 26, 2006 4:33 pm:
" A big new downtown arena should be in the long range plan, but another 'Qwest Center' for the Lincoln-Omaha area is beyond what the market can currently sustain. Rennovate and enlarge Pershing, in phases, for now. The tired state of the Fairgrounds most likely IS a factor in declining popularity, but replacing all that infrastructure, to end up with a significantly improved facility, represents a HUGE undertaking. A handful of new metal barns at that non-descript Event Center site won't do it. If UNL needs space, there's room for gradual expansion onto the Fairgrounds while working toward a long range relocation or renovation plan for the Fair. The city doesn't have $100-200 million for a new Convention Center/Arena, the State Fair doesn't have 200 million+ for new fairgrounds, and UNL isn't planning a massive expansion. You do the math. Its great to dream and plan, but the carts are getting ahead of the horses. "

 BK wrote on October 26, 2006 4:52 pm:
" Keep the State Fair where it is. Preserve the Buildings on the Fairgrounds. Let's continue to improve the Fair with the Lottery money and tell the people who want to move the Fair to mind their own business. Who does Lincoln think they are to try to move the Fair. They should be proud of it and all the people it brings to Lincoln. Where is Nebraska's sense of heritage. Other states have their Fairgrounds in the same place and have restored their buildings. They take pride in the Fair. We Nebraskans also take pride in our Fair and we want it just where it is! Leave the Fair alone. It is improving and with more money coming it, it will continue to improve. This task force has no power over the State Fair. The State Fair Board should tell this task force to leave them alone. "

 Jane wrote on October 26, 2006 4:52 pm:
" I bet Mr. Sanford would sell you his land!!! Can't have the drag strip so maybe it could be used for the fair! But I'll bet the neighbors don't want that either! "

 What's with the State Fair Board?- kb wrote on October 26, 2006 6:56 pm:
" Wasn't the Lancaster Event Center originally built because the State Fair Board was unwilling to work with the County? To me it appears the Board is made up of a group of uncompromising egotistical individuals. This my way or the hiway attitude by the board needs to change. "

 Marty wrote on October 26, 2006 7:07 pm:
" If the State Fair is going to move from its present location, then all cities in the state should have an opportunity to bit to be the host. Why should Lincoln be the only city with such an opportunity? "

 LKM wrote on October 26, 2006 7:59 pm:
" Seems pretty stupid the state fair and the event center weren't combined when the event center was built. This is like a little kid yanking here, bawling, yanking there until there is such a hodgepodge of stuff going nowhere. In fact the whole city is like that. Who would know if 423 is good or bad. On the premise its what we need but with the lying and underhandedness and the leadership just plainly doesn't know whats up or whats down. And you call the state, city, county or fair leadership intelligent business like???? I'll eat my hat!!!! "

 STA wrote on October 26, 2006 8:43 pm:
" The county fair left the fairgrounds because they, like every other county fair in the state wanted their own fairgrounds, and they were willing to let the taxpayers of Lincoln pay for it. If you remember the original cost was to be $4 million, but mushroomed to $14 million for the "first phase". And now they want to spend another $20 million of our money. And the place continues to lose money. Seems to me, forcing the State Fair out there is a way to bury the "mistake" made ten years ago when the Event Center was built. "

 Terry wrote on October 26, 2006 8:59 pm:
" Here's the solution: The State Fair Board sells the fairgrounds to the group of "High Powered Business Leaders." The HPBL's sell the ground to the University. The Fair board takes the money and builds a new fairgrounds in Grand Island. Everybody is happy...The HPBL's make a profit, the University gets more land, the State Fair quadruples it's attendance. Lincoln won't have to pay it's matching funds for the lottery money. Grand Island makes a killing on visitor and sales tax revenue, and appreciates the fair being there. Of course the tax payers of the state will be hit up to finance whatever renovations the U makes to the ground, but the HPBL's will figure out a way to avoid paying any of that. And the best part, it will free up people and money so another "task force" can be formed to "solve" another problem in Lincoln that doesn't exist. "

 Mike P. wrote on October 26, 2006 10:09 pm:
" Ok, once again here is another issue that most likely will have nothing to do with Joe Citizen. If you want to get the fair moved your going to have to get a fair board that gets along. Plus they can't come from Lincoln due to the backward thinking people in this city. You need to hire someone from Omaha or any other progressive towns that are looking for what the masses want and need most. Not what my friends and family want. "

 SM wrote on October 26, 2006 11:39 pm:
" If the fair ground are moved does the race track move? With this Drag strip proposal seems like the race track may be a noise issue. "

 Drag racer wrote on October 26, 2006 11:44 pm:
" A Drag strip would bring in more revenue that the state fair. "

 Drag wrote on October 27, 2006 12:07 am:
" A drag strip would bring more yokels to town. The state fair needs to move, period. Let the golden-oldies relive their youth elsewhere. "

 Seventy Five Million Dollars wrote on October 27, 2006 7:17 am:
" Who wants to pay this for nothing other than a move? "

 Hummmm wrote on October 27, 2006 7:43 am:
" Why don't we put the fair ground and the replacement for Pershing all out at the events center. Then you can really ccall it the events center. should be less cost, no railroads to deal with, better parking, less infrastructure to change, etc, etc. To me it would save tax dollors. opps, forgot DLA and Chamber would lose out with thier great plans for downtown. but it would better for taxpayers who will not get a vote in this. "

 Jim wrote on October 27, 2006 7:53 am:
" If UNL wants it to move, make tham pay for the move "

 Sean1 wrote on October 27, 2006 8:01 am:
" Yet another case in Lincoln city government of the left hand having absolutely no idea what the right hand is doing. "

 concerned wrote on October 27, 2006 8:13 am:
" maybe the home owners in that area should have a say. look at the crime that occurs when the fair is going on. and out there it would be way to easy for anything to happen, since it is not a developed area. "

 the iowa state wrote on October 27, 2006 8:24 am:
" fair is a success in part due to $20 some million in state dollars. Ours could be more of a success if we received double the aid we aready get, as in Lottery money and also if we were to accept advertising like most fairs and event centers across the country do. Why not paint a building green and run a yellow stripe through it and JOHN DEERE FARM IMPLEMENTS painted on it for a mere $100,000 a year. but i think the fair is worth keeping it just needs to update itself a bit. Also, the fair board is pretty dumb to charge for children under 15. If kids up to that age were free, the fair would be packed. Let's face it, it's harder putting money aside when you are young and married but by the time the kids get to 15 you are a little more stable and income more steady. I swear, if kids were free, the fair would be packed every open hour. Parents love free. And kids demand a lot in the way of tickets for rides, food, beverage, and hey you need a beer and turkey leg. And you need high tech virtual reality games and paint ball and game simulaters to go with the temporary tattoos and dress up period piece pictures, i always liked dressing up as the cowboy with the wife as the bar girl. But i think she likes being the mob bosses moll the best. You've got to take a blend of the old and new for todays crowd of money spenders. "

 Typical Lincolnbilies wrote on October 27, 2006 8:35 am:
" Not only do the backwards looking people that run the State Fair Board take offense at someone actually coming up with an innovative idea, but the Journal Star blogosphere's typical banter reinforces Lincoln's growing reputation as a City full of naysayers that can't see the forest for the trees. Please so-called leaders of Lincoln: get your act together and do something to get this city going. As Don Clifton used to say - Soar with your Strengths. UNL is about the only thing we have that can differentiate us from the crowd. Fortunately, that is enough. A strong, expanding research university working in concert with the private sector, State government and the City, can create a dynamic Lincoln that those who will create the economy of the 21st Century will want to locate. Please, do not give a disproportionate amount of attention to the whiners on this page whose only concern seems to be that they don't have to fork over a dime for anything. They don't contribute to the dynamic future we need anyway... "

 Tom wrote on October 27, 2006 9:37 am:
" For you folks saying lets move it to the center of the state, good idea, but you do realize that Grand Island is not in the center of the state? I have to laugh every time I hear someone say move something to Grand Island after all it is in the center of Nebraska! I also do not understand someone who says it is SO far across Lincoln that they can not handle the drive to the event center and how in the world do you ever think it is hard to get to or in and out of? "

 PT wrote on October 27, 2006 9:46 am:
" I think that now that it looks like the State Fair is going somewhere and getting better, others just want to get there hands on it too. "

 JC wrote on October 27, 2006 10:04 am:
" "They don't contribute to the dynamic future we need anyway...?" Are you KIDDING?? Lincoln residents contribute, all right... it's called property taxes for one foolish idea after another. I don't hear people complaining about too much progressiveness in these blogs, I hear the opposite: Lincoln needs to do more to attract and retain industry, entrepreurs and young people. People are just tired of paying for failed ideas that only seem to benefit certain people in the community (i.e., downtown businessmen) and don't accomplish a thing. Lincoln should, by all rights, be a growing, thriving, active, business-friendly city. As the home of state government and a major university, which should be pluses, Lincoln has instead grown lazy over the years because there's always that safety net of a certain number of state/university incomes. Seriously, take those two entities out of the city and Lincoln is just another small Nebraska town. Don't blame the citizens of Lincoln, blame the leadership over the past 20 years, including the "high powered business leaders" who have maintained power long enough to get theirs, and are now looking around, wondering where everyone else went. "

Ads by Yahoo!

More Stories In Top Story