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BLOGS

Thinking Out Loud

Tigers and spiders, oh my

Some of us took a two-hour tour of the Natural Science Center today.

We still didn’t get to all of the exhibits, but the tigers and the gibbons stand out, with the snakes and spiders a close tie for third..

This facility is a lot bigger than you would think

And it appears very efficiently run, a place that makes the most of recycled materials, spirited volunteers and considerable good will from the private sector.

You'll be seeing highlights of the tour soon on a Web video the News & Record's Michael McQueen is preparing.

Or endorsment editorial on the bonds is scheduled for Oct. 24.

Director Glenn Dobrogosz made a good case for the $20 million Science Center bonds and pointed out how and where the proposed expansions would occur.

The public has been solidly supportive of Science Center bonds in the past.

But in this economy it’s hard to tell how even this popular attraction will fare on the Nov. 3 ballot.

As for where I personally stand, I’m still undecided.

I know I’ve said this before but it still holds: The Science Center is a worthy cause but is this the right time?

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Posted by Allen Johnson on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 3:24 pm

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Betty Barry

October 9, 2009 - 5:16 pm EDT

After touring the Science Center, how can you not see that the expansion NOW would have a positivie economic impact on our community by creating jobs for the construction and renovation of the projects included in the bond. In addition, it will most certainly bring more tourism to Greensboro, as it has already done with the recent expansion of Animal Discovery. Helping this community focus on science education for all ages is smart politically and economically. This is a win/win for Greensboro

Jeremiah

October 9, 2009 - 5:26 pm EDT

You nailed it. Greensboro wins everything and loses nothing. It is an oasis for sanity, smart people and strong values. There is not a rational economic reason against it. It is not about asking why now? It is about saying especially now.

Allen Johnson

October 9, 2009 - 6:50 pm EDT

Betty:
The point of the tour was to learn as much as possible, and we did. Glenn was an excellent host.
I was impressed wit his staff and the facility, but forgive me if I'm not ready just yet to say yes.

RonMiller

October 10, 2009 - 11:24 am EDT

Allen,
You’re forgiven and thanks so much for visiting the Natural Science Center. Betty is simply addressing the question that you raised. Why now? My question is why not now? Bonds will be sold over a period of time, keeping the impact on taxpayers to a minimum – about half a cent on the tax rate at most. But projects bid now while construction costs are low will yield significant savings. As long as you agree that bonds are a reasonable way to raise money for capital projects and that this is a solid project that will yield long-term educational, cultural and economic benefit – and it is - there is a compelling argument for voting yes, especially now. I look forward to the video.

Allen Johnson

October 10, 2009 - 6:18 pm EDT

There obviously is wide support for the Science Center.

I can't remember ever posting a blog entry on a bond referendum and getting so many enthusiastic "Yes" votes -- including one from our resident contrarian Brian, who I assumed was against everything (just kidding, Brian).

Thanks for the helpful feedback, folks.

brian444

October 11, 2009 - 1:27 am EDT

Well, I feel better about such things now that Skip Alston has become such a belt-tightener. And naturally, I put the children ahead of well-to-do exurbanites and their demands for bigger roads, more fire stations, and slate-roofed schools.

But seriously, the comments here point to the really good job the NSC does. Staff and volunteers are always eager to talk to kids about the animals, pull out a snake for them to hold, connect the spectacle and the science in age-appropriate ways--the place just has a nice feel to it.

Ashley Staton

October 9, 2009 - 7:00 pm EDT

The current economy is exactly why now is the right time to support the bond for the Natural Science Center's expansion. The creation of jobs, short-term and long-term, makes absolute sense. Any priority in the area of education could only have positive impact, certainly economically. What has always been a true "gem" in Greensboro, the Natural Science Center will be the signature destination in our greater community.

brian444

October 10, 2009 - 12:00 am EDT

There's a case for fiscal restraint, sure, but I will vote for the bonds. The case for the NSC isn't really jobs or tourism, both of which are overstated. Its that the NSC is a key piece (along with parks, golf courses, nice neighborhoods, youth sports leagues, swim clubs, decent downtown, parades, Children's Museum, etc.) of Gboro's brand identity, which is something like A Nice Place to Raise a Family. When we started taking our kids there in 2002, it was a pretty ratty place, and now you can get close enough to a tiger to get peed on. We're never going to be hip enough to become a young professional mecca, but the NSC helps us build on our strengths.

tghdobro

October 10, 2009 - 8:17 am EDT

Great perspective Brian. Thank you. I too think branding Greensboro as a family oriented place to live strengthens us both culturally and economically. We need more people who want to live, raise a family and build a business here in Greensboro. That speaks to both quality of life and economic growth.

3boys

October 10, 2009 - 10:19 am EDT

There is no better time than now for the VOTE YES....the NSC expansion and renovation will have such a positive impact on our children's education through more "hands on" science learning opportunities, will bring more fun and exciting things for local family outings, will increase tourism to our Gate-city, and will bring the much needed economic boost through the tourism and increased jobs, that we so desparately need in these times. And to top that off....the work will be done at a time when construction costs are low.....more work for less costs!! Is now the right time?? No question in my mind.....ABSOLUTELY!!!!
Allen - thanks for visiting our wonderful NSC!!

Bob Newton

October 11, 2009 - 12:28 pm EDT

Why Now? The real question is Why At All? The projects on the table and the funding to make them happen constitute a long term plan of development that should be viewed not in terms of the specific date and time that we vote to approve a bond issue but rather over the multiple years over which (a) the bonds will be worked into the debt and capital structure of the City, and (b) the plans and projects of the NSC will come to fruition and benefit the community in terms of long term social and economic well being. Is borrowing this money a responsible way to finance the expansion of the NSC given the benefits that the expansion is projected to yield to the community? Substance, not timing, is the critical question.

Bob

tghdobro

October 11, 2009 - 1:56 pm EDT

Agreed, substance is the key. The Science Center's track record as an accountable steward of physical and financial resources is clear. The Center's positive financial impact (current and future) has been fully analyzed by an unbiased source, Dr. Andrew Brod. His findings are substantial and probably conservative. The substance in and of the Science Center's cultural impact is obviously harder to calculate. Attendance growth from 80 NC counties, 14th in the state for tourism, The state's only AZA and AAM accredited facility, full summer camps, attracting 75,000 field-trip students from 34 counties, innovative educational opportunities, international conservation efforts, countless community partnerships, the first zoo college in NC, a very special and evolving relationship with Guilford County Schools and the institution's readiness to execute a one-of-a-kind master plan all speak to the Science Center's cultural impact and significance as a valuable Greensboro icon.