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2015 Vision Group has raised $25 million in private donations

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By MATT OLBERDING / Lincoln Journal Star

Tuesday, Jul 24, 2007 - 05:02:06 pm CDT

It was no coincidence that members of the 2015 Vision group chose Lincoln Station in the Haymarket to give an update Tuesday on their progress to date.

It is hoped that someday the venue will be the “front door” to a new downtown arena.

The group’s announcement Tuesday that it has raised more than $25 million in private commitments may mean that dream is closer to reality.

Story Photo
Part of an 11-foot DNA strand sculpture is seen in this view of the Beadle Center atrium on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Beadle Center is part of the Research and Development corridor that is one of the pillars, or goals, of the 2015 Vision Group in Lincoln. Robert Becker/Lincoln Journal Star
Private contributions

to 2015 Vision Pillars

$25 million: Committed by 2015 Vision steering committee members and other private citizens.

$10 million: In hand

$12 million: Goal for private giving to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Research and Development Corridor.

$9 million: Committed to UNL R&D corridor.

$3 million: Needed for Antelope Valley Pillar, in particular, the east downtown park.

$1.5 million+: Committed to the park.



Public projects pending in the UNL Research and Development Corridor

Physics building for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln: $35 million, estimated finish June 2009.

UNL Whittier building, energy center, transportation center, business incubation space: $23.7 million, December, 2009.

UNL nanomaterials building, $13.5 million, still to be approved by Board of Regents.

UNL Life Sciences building, $20 million, still to be approved by Board of Regents.

(The private-sector donations will go toward those projects.)

$1 million: contained in a pending Senate bill for Whittier.

$50 million: estimated cost of proposed federal agricultural research building on UNL’s East Campus.

$2 million: Planning money for the federal ag building sponsored by Sen. Ben Nelson.



Source: 2015 Vision Group



About $10 million of that is already in hand and the rest is pledged, said Terry Fairfield, president of the University of Nebraska Foundation and a member of the group that formed last fall in part to help shepherd several large public-private projects in the works.

“It truly is an amazing start,” Fairfield said.

Much of the money is aimed toward what the group considers its top three projects — a downtown arena and convention center, a research and development corridor near the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Antelope Valley project.

Fairfield said the group set a goal of raising $12 million for the R&D corridor and has already raised more than 75 percent of that amount.

It also has already raised more than half of the $3 million in private donations it needs for an east downtown park, he said.

The rest of the money is mostly earmarked for future spending on the arena and convention center, although Fairfield said there is some flexibility on how it can be spent.

A lot of work still remains before an arena and convention center can be built, but things are moving forward, said Tom Henning, president and CEO of Assurity Life Insurance Co. and another member of the 2015 Vision Group.

Henning said various studies are either under way or planned and initial discussions have begun with Burlington Northern Santa Fe officials regarding land the railroad owns that would be needed for the arena.

And Mayor Chris Beutler said he hopes to have a redevelopment agreement for the area in front of the City Council by October.

While the arena has gathered much of the public’s focus, the R&D corridor may soon be stealing some of that limelight.

Kent Seacrest, a local attorney who has often functioned as the public spokesman of the 2015 group, said there are “specific companies looking at specific sites” in the proposed R&D corridor. He declined to name any companies but said the group includes local, national and international companies.

That’s in addition to the more than $70 million worth of UNL projects already planned.

Construction of a $34.5 million physics building is scheduled to start in September and be complete by June of 2009, and a $23.7 million remodeling of the former Whittier Junior High School is scheduled to start next year and be complete by the end of 2009.

Chancellor Harvey Perlman said  UNL will also seek Board of Regents approval this fall for a $13.5 million nanomaterials building that, if approved, would be completed sometime in 2010.   

And Sen. Ben Nelson is sponsoring a $2 million planning appropriation for what could be a $50 million federal agricultural research building on UNL’s East Campus to house both UNL and federal scientists.    

That’s a ways off from the 17th Street R&D corridor, but the 2015 group sees the corridor curving to State Fair Park in a crescent that reaches East Campus.

The Legislature is studying whether it would be feasible to move the State Fair to the grounds of the Lancaster Event Center near 84th and Holdrege.

While that study is important, plans will still move forward even if the State Fair remains where it is, said 2015 Vision member Marc LeBaron, chairman and CEO of Lincoln Industries.

There is movement on many of the projects, but members of the group who spoke to the Journal Star Tuesday afternoon said there is still much work to be done.

Group members have been visiting cities around the country to get ideas for the arena and R&D corridor, and Fairfield said there will be a continued fundraising push over the next six months.

The money raised so far has met the group’s expectations, Fairfield said, but it is challenging to raise money without firm estimates on what the projects will cost.

“Many people would like specifics, but in many cases there aren’t specifics yet,” he said.

Beutler said he is behind the group’s efforts 100 percent, calling the members “a delight to work with.”

He called the announcement of the $25 million “just huge” and said it was welcome news coming on the heels of discussions of the budget cuts the city needs to make.

Joked Beutler, “I’m almost ready to quit the mayor’s job and come help you raise funds.”

Reach Matt Olberding at 473-2647 or at molberding@journalstar.com.


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WAY TO GO!!! wrote on July 24, 2007 4:07 pm:
" I hope this shuts some of the pundants of the group up. Look the 2015 group came up with $25million of private money for projects that will BENEFIT Lincoln. Probably still isn't enough to get all the nay sayers off the backs of the south Lincoln "richies" that they always complain about not carrying thier weight.... WAY TO GO AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE CITY MOVE FORWARD "

 omnione wrote on July 24, 2007 4:33 pm:
" I agree with you WAY TO GO!!. However, it wouldn't surprise me if the negativistas who comment on LJS stories will find some way to twist this or complain that the group isn't giving enough. Otherwise, this is a great first step toward community investment in some great projects "

 Me Again wrote on July 24, 2007 4:44 pm:
" To respond to the first two responses, I agree with some of their "pillars" and disagree with some. I think the R&D corridor is a great asset. It should provide high paying jobs for both proffessionals and students. I do hope that they are seeking monies from a wide variety of industries, rather than just sticking with the BioChem/Physics/Computers. "

 YES!! wrote on July 24, 2007 4:47 pm:
" This is exactly the people we need leading the city. They have a POSITIVE outlook for Lincoln and are actively working to make Lincoln a better place. Thank you to all members of this fantastic group. "

 Let's Hear It wrote on July 24, 2007 4:50 pm:
" I assume some one will want this money to go to the Lincoln Youth Sports programs, firemen's huge pension fund, or maybe to reduce everyone's pain at the gas pump. Let's all be happy that at least one organization in this town is helping the city move forward by taking action rather then just talking about 'how bad things have gotten'. "

 South Lincolnite wrote on July 24, 2007 5:45 pm:
" Fabulous...how can I donate? I'm all for helping out our city with a donation. "

 Hoping wrote on July 24, 2007 5:50 pm:
" Between the budget crisis, infrastructure financing problems, impact fees, and the lack of desire to retain high profile employers, I was ready to move somewhere else. However, I'm going to stick it out awhile longer and see where this leads. Hopefully, the anti-development/growth crowd doesn't derail this effort. "

 Gr8fulDude wrote on July 24, 2007 7:48 pm:
" Hey, if private enterprise wants to put up the money for a new arena, convention center, hotel, etc. then go for it. Just don't ask taxpayers to finance your $250 mil. boondoggle. Are we even going to get a chance to vote on this? "

 Lincoln native wrote on July 24, 2007 8:58 pm:
" This is exactly the kind of civic leadership Lincoln has been lacking for decades. Glad to see the mayor is on baord as well. Hopefully the City Council will seize the opportunity to move Lincoln forward as well. "

 TW wrote on July 24, 2007 9:12 pm:
" I'll not be a nay sayer until, they get to the point of, "oh, gotta raise property taxes".The article said, "shepherd PUBLIC /private projects" Oh yeah, just like fishing, throw the $25mil bait out and, WE GOTCHA." How many times have we seen that seneraio? Same thing is happening in Indpls. They've all but taken the mayor & governor to the gallows, except the gov. saved himself by rolling the property taxes back to prior year. Thats not over yet! Course Nebraskans just let 'em drag them to the poor house. "

 JR wrote on July 24, 2007 9:46 pm:
" What in tarnation is wrong with you people??? Don't you know I may have to spend another $10 a year in tax increases if this happens? That's the problem with all you tax and spend liberals wanting to spend all us working folks hard earned money.... There ... I beat them to it ... any bets we get at least a dozen letters just like that on here from the usual suspects. For the record, I am for this project. Let's do it. "

 Earmark wrote on July 25, 2007 9:36 am:
" Wow - is that Ben Nelson gettign an earmark for this project? Is the Republican attack machine asleep? where are their silly comments. Oh and where is Jeff Fortenberry on supporting this? Hagel? anyone? "

 Nate wrote on July 25, 2007 10:20 am:
" Earmark I'm Republican and I think this is awesome. Secondly Fortenberry and Hagel act more like Dems anyway and Nelson votes the way NEBRASKANS would want. "

 russell wrote on July 25, 2007 11:31 am:
" I am for the research center & nothing else using taxing money. Research brings in high living wage jobs and the money stays in Lincoln. Arena/convention center bring minimum wage jobs (waiters, hotel maids & cleanup) & the profits go to national chain headquarters. Unless Lincoln passes an ordinance require TIF recipients meet living wage standards! "

 Rhonda wrote on July 25, 2007 2:19 pm:
" I am all for a R&D corridor and Arena but I am against the way they have to rip apart State Fair Park to do it. It makes no sense to me to "curve" the corridor through State fair Park to connect it to East Campus. I really think if they want the State to get behind their vision they will want to leave the State Fair Park alone. Wouldn't it be just as easy or easier to connect East Campus with land along the south side of the tracks from City to East Campus. "

 Lisa, 25, UNL grad wrote on July 25, 2007 3:00 pm:
" I just hope everyone's final goal is to make Lincoln a better place for all ages. Regardless of the 'kids' bickering (no wonder why I hate voting for the lesser of two evils). Lincoln in a major way is not the most fun place to grow up. PLEASE MAKE PROGRESS OR I'M OUTTA HERE. "

 Alan wrote on July 25, 2007 3:15 pm:
" As long as the people get to vote before public money is committed let 2015 do what they will. Lincoln needs more good paying private sector jobs to grow. Sure the UNL jobs pay well but they are funded at taxpayer expense. And how much property tax does the city get from a $50 million research center? That's right $0, same as we get from the base ball stadium and will get from the event center. Meanwhile property and income tax paying residents and businesses are going to be uprooted to make room. And how much concrete is going to be needed, hmmmm. "

 John Holmes wrote on July 25, 2007 3:42 pm:
" Seriously, tell me the down side of this project. I read in the paper of this being cut and that being cut. There are two ways a city can improve its budget. Lowering expenses or increasing revenues. THAT'T IT! Increasing revenues come in two forms, increasing taxes or increasing the tax base. By moving this city forward and making Lincoln competition for other cities our size, we have the ability to increase the tax base. Is it risky...yes. Will it, in the short run, cost us money...perhaps, but I for one think this group has hit the nail on the head. Most of the members of the 2015 steering committee run companies that could easily relocate to other cities. They stay for their love of Lincoln. The member os the steering committee ARE the decision makers in their organizations. The citizens of Lincoln yell and scream when companies like Gallup and Goodyear pull out. Here we have great corporate stewards stepping up the plate and many of our fine citizens want to criticize, pick apart and suggest this is only being done for financial gain for those involved. Folks, we can't have it both ways. Either we, as a community, step up and follow this lead or you can rest assure more companies will go the way of Gallup, Goodyear and Quebacor. I, for one, don't want to see that happen. "

 Count Me In wrote on July 25, 2007 4:26 pm:
" Finally some leadership in Lincoln steps up with more than words, and is willing to invest money into Lincoln's future. Will this "cost" us taxpayers? I prefer to look at it as our opportunity to invest in our community. Our return on investment will be more jobs, more tax revenues, more amenities, a stronger college,... Just like any business, our city needs to reinvest in itself to move forward. Growth is good. Way to go Vision 2015 -- when it comes time to choose Yes or No on reinvesting in our community, I'll vote "yes" for the sake of future generations. "

 Thinking of moving wrote on July 25, 2007 4:40 pm:
" Agreed with most comments. I too have been considering leaving as well. This city just seems in complete turmoil with city leaders not really able to lead and shepherd this city through an ongoing identity crisis between old and new guard or what is vs. what could be (and most likely needs to be). Whether it is property taxes, infrastructure, new businesses, etc. the attitude in this city is pretty cynical. It is hard to live here when you get the feeling people just aren't happy and you ask yourself if enough is being done to move this city forward. It will take a long time, there is no doubt, and growth is hard. The question for me is, "Can I wait long enough to feel promise and hope?" "

 Cookie wrote on July 25, 2007 4:45 pm:
" This is a good article that provides some financial figures and names of participants. It does not go into much detail on the interrelationships and profits that will among the same. It's okay to make a profit but greater transparency in the deals and dealings is surely in order when the public will be asked to pony up hundreds of millions ( 2015: "$10 million: In Hand" ) to support the private and typical Lincoln elite Vision. "

 Who Cares, Rhonda wrote on July 25, 2007 5:30 pm:
" Who cares about the state fair park? All it is is a bunch of run down buildings, a crappy race track and weeds. Turn the whole thing into a research facility. UNL needs this type of facility to continue to recieve research grants which will lead to innovation and further economic growth of our city. Just look at what the economic benefit to UNO will be once the new supercomputer is installed. Is the state fair really that important when you look at long run economic deveolpment? Let's continue this progressive and forward thinking so that we can retain young minds and progressive thinkers in Lincoln, rather than turning it into a mecca for the retired. "

 Rhonda wrote on July 26, 2007 7:47 am:
" Well "who Cares" the voters of this state care that is who. That property is not owned by the city of Lincoln it is owned by the state. the voters of the entire state voiced their concerns about the fair loud and clear, the only ones not listening are in Lincoln. When was the last time you were on the State fair grounds, covered in weeds and run down come on you show your true ignorance about the State Fair making those comments. I will be glad to jump on board when someone can show me that there is no feasible way to do this with out ripping down the State Fair Park. If you want to talk about weeds and run down building drive down Holdrege St. It sounds to me like the planners of this R&D Corridor are almost going out of their way to go through the State Fair Park. "

 Jim wrote on July 26, 2007 8:06 am:
" I actually have to agree with Rhonda. "who cares" it is obvious you ahve not been to the State Fair or an event at the ground for a long time if at all. It is not a place used just one time a year anymore, there are constant events year around. I also agree about the land on the south side of the railroad tracks, talk about an eyesore. To move the fair is going to cost 10's of millions of dollars I think the last estimate was around 80 million but I may be mistaken. I think there is a great chance that if the State Fair moves it will be going west out of town not east to the Lancaster event center, then who's loss will it be. There is a lot of revenue generated by the State Fair for this city. If you want to talk about a progressive thinking city go to the ones that are asking to have the State Fair move there, GI, Norfolk, Kearney ,Columbus why are they not having trouble getting industry to move there. Those town are growing and expanding leaps and bounds compared to Lincoln, maybe they embrace what they have not destroy it in the sake of progress. I say build it in conjuction with the State Fair Park not instead of State Fair Park. "

 I care Rhonda wrote on July 26, 2007 8:55 am:
" Well "who cares" I care thats who. I have lived in Lincoln for 15 years not a long time but long enough. I have been a Nebraska resident 25 of my 40 years. I left for a short time but came back to the area I love. I agree that to many people leave the state but why is that. Is it because of the lack of high paying jobs, maybe, is it the lack of a R&D Corridor, I doubt it, is it because Lincoln has no big arena, I really doubt it. I agree I think that a progressive city needs things Such as the arena and R&D Corridor but for what cost and at the cost of who ? If the Arena and convention area can be built with private funds or even with a slight tax increase what the heck, it may help but really it may be about 10 years to late to get started on this project.As for the R&D Corridor, sure UNL needs it and it may or may not keep the brightest minds here in Lincoln along with creating higher paying jobs which Lincoln also needs. With that all said though does Lincoln want the reputation that they could careless about what others want. The future of the State Fair was voted on and secured by the voters of the state, since the State Fair and the State Fair Park are entities of the entire state not just Lincoln and Lancaster County. I love living in Lincoln and love the historic fell I get from the town, however lately it seems that more and more of the city leaders are disregaurding the history of the city in the name of progress. I often have the chance to visit other cities in our state and see the progress they have made and I can say they all do it without ruining history. I often get to Grand Island and Columbus and wow the growth these cities have made and contiue to make is amazing. Plus not once on my visits have I heard about the destruction of a historic place in the sake of progress. Sure State Fair Park could use some work but to say it is run down and covered in weeds is a little extreme. It is a viable and historic area that the voters of the state have made clear they want to save so it is time for the progressive leaders of this town to work with the State Fair and not against it. Every time I drive down Holdrege Street I ask why not clean up this area with a nice R&D Corridor, homes can be moved but really take a look at who lives in these homes and the condition of the majority of them and this is a no brainer. The only reason it has not been suggested and planned that way is voters live in those houses and god forbid we step on the toes of anyone in Lincoln, but who cares about the people who come to this town to support our business. Stop and think we build an arena and R&D corridor and rip up State Fair Park (after a vote of the state wants to save it) who is going to come to our nice big arena after we disreguard their vote. Take a moment to think about our actions. "

 Not worth saving wrote on July 26, 2007 9:28 am:
" Heres an idea, build a state fair thats worth a darn. Move bring good jobs and build a fair like Iowa has. Then I might go "

 Think wrote on July 26, 2007 12:17 pm:
" Just because the current location of the State Fair is used for something else, that does NOT mean that the State Fair will go away. I'm sorry, but have you people actually gone to State Fair Park recently? It's old, it's run down, it IS full of weeds. It's just a plain mess. The setup is ridiculous, with events crammed here there and everywhere as the facility was cobbled together over the decades. The buildings are in major need of renovation, including air conditioning in all major expo buildings, they are ill-suited to today's needs with many of them having been constructed in excess of 50 years ago. The Park was NOT planned with foresight, only to take care of the immediate needs of the day. Simply because SFP exists does not mean that it is the best option for the State Fair, or for any of the other events held there every year. Go look at the Texas State Fair, or the Iowa State Fair, and see how they have gone to great lengths to continue to improve their fairgrounds, facilities and events. These things are NOT happening with our State Fair, nor with the fairgrounds, which have been slowly allowed to decay. It makes perfect sense for the benefit of the whole State of Nebraska to move the State Fair to a new facility, one that is designed to meet the needs of today's Fairgoers, and one that is designed with future needs in mind. There is available space in several locations throughout the State, several of which are right here in Lincoln. Having moved the Fair to a better-equipped and better-designed facility, that would leave the current fairgrounds available for development of a visionary project like this R&D Corridor, one which Lincoln as a city and Nebraska as a whole desperately needs. We continue to graduate thousands of allegedly well-educated students from UNL every semester, yet where are the jobs for these students? Are they supposed to work at Target or Verison for $25,000 a year? Why, when they can move to Omaha or out of state for far better opportunities and pay? Look at this community! It is a wonderful place to live and raise children, as long as you don't want to earn too much, don't mind paying exorbitant taxes and don't care that there's no diversity in shopping, dining and entertainment. I, and many other Lincolnites like me, want better for my town. Developing a facility such as the 2015 Vision group wants in this space would go a LONG way towards creating jobs and opportunities for this town. It is not enough by itself, but it is a great step in the right direction, and one this town has been needing desperately for decades. And for the record, I have no connection to this group and I have never given them a dime. They just happen to want to do some of the things I've been wanting for the last 20 years that I've lived here. "

 Good Ridance wrote on July 26, 2007 12:40 pm:
" to the State Fair park! Hello research and business! I don't know which State Fair Park some people are looking at, but it's an area of crumbling buildings, tin shacks, and yes, WEEDS! Bye, bye! "

 Here We Go Again wrote on July 26, 2007 1:14 pm:
" A few comments: I, like many people, do not understand the need for en Expo center here. Look at the Qwest Center and what it has done for the residents of Omaha...not much. And look at the fact that we cannot get hardly anyone worth a hoot to come to Lincoln's Pershing Center or Rococo and those that do can't even sell the events out. Would Pershing lay dormant if the new Expo Center were built? Why waste taxpayer and private donor dollars for that? As to the State Fair: How on earth could it cost 80 million to move it to the Lancaster Event Center? There are already several nice large buildings out there. Build up a few more (hint: divert the private donor dollars to doing this instead of building the Expo) and voila! an updated venue for the State Fair. Does anyone else out there believe that a lot of people don't go to the current State Fair because the buildings are hot and it seems so archaic? Update and I'm sure that attendance will increase. As to the Research Corridor: It's an excellent idea IF it truly does bring jobs to the ordinary citizen here and not just those that are affiliated with the University or government in some way. Beutler and the Council could also do this City a huge favor by disallowing the WalMarts of the world to take it over, and encourage new, good-reputation businesses to take root. "

 Gr8fulDude wrote on July 26, 2007 1:51 pm:
" It looks like some of that $25 mil is being used to fund a propaganda machine to help mold public opinion (perhaps even supplying comments on a newspaper website?) I suspect the rest will be used to grease the palms of legislators to divert tax funds to their pet project. Seriously, the city is over budget, they're considering cutting funds for kids, the elderly and even the fire department but these visionaries want to saddle us with even more debt. I vote NO! "

 Make a Choice! wrote on July 26, 2007 2:25 pm:
" Gr8ful, what is your plan? That's the problem with this town - there are so many people who grumble and rumble about every little thing, but have nothing constructive to add. Well congratulations, that's how the city ended up with this mess of over budget, cutting funds and fire department woes! It's because for too long Lincoln has been a city that lacks vision, that has no grasp of why failing to move forward is actually a move backwards. It is comments just like the ones printed here that make me so glad there is a group of business leaders who would like to improve this city, not the same old stale, stodgy ideas that have produced a city where incomes are low, opportunities are few and the tax burden is high. And what is so much more frustrating for those of us who want Lincoln to prosper is the continual bickering from people who have no ideas, but who want to shout down those who do. If we stay the course, fail to develop, fail to make Lincoln better, fail to encourage growth and fail to think about the future and what's in store for us then, you can bet we'll be griping about lack of jobs, lack of funds, cutting government programs, poor police service, poor fire service, lack of opportunity and a general malaise in Lincoln in 2015, 2025, 2035 and beyond. WAKE UP!!! Stop accepting the slow decline of a town with such great potential and, even if you don't get on board with this plan, get on board with SOMETHING that encourages growth, encourages the college graduates to stay here and raise their families as Nebraskans with the same values we all grew up with, something that encourages this town to embrace its potential rather than letting itself slowly succumb to entropy. Progress does not have to be painful, and it becomes less so when you open your eyes to what will happen WITHOUT progress. Lincoln will change over time. That is inevitable. We have the power to make that a change for the better through proper planning and structured growth. Or we can continue to sit around, gripe about everything, and watch this town slide further and further into economic depression, poor tax revenues, and all the other things these problems bring with them. It's our choice. We can choose to do something or choose to do nothing. Which is it going to be? "

 Get out of the past! wrote on July 26, 2007 4:42 pm:
" Let me see here, let's save the state fair because it generates revenue for the city of Lincoln two weeks out of the year, or move it and build a R&D corridor that will not only attract the best and brighest that our state and nation have offer and will bring innovative corporations here along with high paying jobs and benefits. I would hope to think that the choice would be obvious. Attracting high paying jobs will strengthen the tax base and will keep young people here in Nebraska. What does the state fair provide in terms of high paying jobs and additon to the tax base? Stop living in the past and either get onboard with this progress, or waste your time and money contributing to the run down dinosaur that is the state fair. Think about your children and grandchildren. What will you say to them 20 years from now if the project fails? "Well kids, we can't afford to live in Lincoln anymore because of the high taxes and lack of opportunity for you, but isn't it nice that we can go their once a year to look at the crumbling buildings, weeds, and giant asphalt parking lot that we preserved by not moving the state fair." I have been to several events at state fair park, and yes it is run down and weedy. If you want to go to a REAL state fair, try Iowa, Texas, or Wisconsin, which has a two mile long midway. "

 Please Listen wrote on July 26, 2007 7:10 pm:
" I am all for progress. Like many of the posters here, I would like to see meaningful grown in Lincoln and well-paying jobs. However, I'm not ready to act on blind faith like so many people seem to be. The fact that the 2015 Vision group has raised $25 million is impressive and a great start to doing something good for Lincoln. The problem I have is the way things are moving forward. There were a few public 'town-hall' meetings a couple of months ago, and since then everything seems to be done behind closed doors. If the group continues to act without involving the public and actually LISTENING to what they have to say, there will always be those of us doubting what they are doing and their motives. Without a little healthy discussion (in public) the group will move along with its memebers' support but will continue to isoloate the taxpayers of this city. On the group's web site, the West Haymarket Arena is the first 'pillar' mentioned. The second is the New Convention Center & Headquarter Hotel. Great! I could possibly buy into those ideas, if there were supporting documentation there - but there isn't! In my household, there is a limited budget for entertainment. If I attend something at the new arena, I will spend less on a Saltdogs, Stars, or Husker game. Or maybe I'll spend less on something like a new television. For the convention center and hotel, obviously tourism and conventions would be the draw, but the 2015 web site doesn't tell me what their projections show. I have the same problems with the remaining 10 Pillars - there are some ideas that I might be able to get behind and support, but not without some more documentation. I know from this blog there are others that agree with me; they are concerned that taxes will go up if the group's pillars become reality. So, 2015 Group - please give us data and be honest with us, the taxpayers of Lincoln, so we know how to react to your ideas. Thanks! "

 Well wrote on July 26, 2007 8:25 pm:
" It sure seems that the mojority of Lincoln is expressing their veiws here with a out cry against the State Fair and State Fair Park. Everyone complains about the weeds and out of date buildings, I agree. However the voters of Nebraska voted to spend money to update the Park and it is time to follow through with what the voters wanted. I agree the fair will go on but anyone with brains would never put it in Lincoln a town that clearly has no respect for anything of historical value. I would love the move to GI or Columbus or any other city in outstate Nebraska that would want to chance to host the fair, to heck with Lincoln. Let's also move the State Basketball, Volleyball and Football games somewhere also, since it is outstate Nebraska that rents all the hotels during that time, why come to a town that so clearly has no respect for anyone from outside of Lincoln. I have 4 children that will never set foot on UNL for an education I pay for. "

 In the name of Progress wrote on July 26, 2007 8:47 pm:
" Well "Think" I have been to the State fairs in a few post mentioned however have you really been to all of them. They have one thing in common for the most part specially the Iowa State fair and that is location. They have been in the same spot for as long as I can remember how about you. I attend the Iowa State Fair every year for business and it hasn't moved since I have went for the past 30 years. It has updated it's old buildings and grounds with UH OH state funds voted on by the people of the state. This state did the same thing now give it a chance to do what we voted on. Now "make a choice" I agree I want to raise my children and grand children here in Nebraska with the values I was raised with, but they must be different then yours. I was raised to respect history and the vote of the people, not to care about the "haves" but the "have nots", to work hard but not judge those who don't, not to care if I am a CEO or a repair man just be happy with what I do. I pay my share and gladly do so, since it is my share. I will never be convinced that the destruction of the past and history for the sake of any progress will be a good thing. The voters of the state spoke to the city of Lincoln and everyone else and they said SAVE OUR FAIR ! It is not for the city of Lincoln, Vision 2015 or UNL to ignore that message. I spent 23 years growing up in Nebraska and being educated here, moved away for 5 and then came back to Lincoln to raise my family for the past 20. I agree that most of the things talked about are needed but at what cost to the integrity of the city and the tradition and history of the sate. I am sure that if UNL and Vision 2015 would think about it a compromise could be achieved to make everyone happy and keep the histiry and tradition in place. "

 Gr8FulDude wrote on July 26, 2007 9:24 pm:
" My "plan" is to allow taxpayers to vote on a bond issue to see if they really want to foot the bill for a $250 mil playground for the rich. If not then private entrepreneurs will have to dig into their OWN pockets to come up with the cash. Yep, that's what this city needs alright, a bunch of "visionaries" willing to spend other peoples money to finance their pet projects. "

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