Council Hears Last Of Science-Center Testimony

Supporters and opponents of a proposal to move a science center into Spokane’s Riverfront Park got a final chance Thursday to sway the City Council.

Council members, who will vote on the proposal Monday, heard three hours of testimony rehashing the pros and cons of the project.

Boosters told the council the Pacific Science Center would be a “gift for the entire community.” Critics called it a “steak and lobster” project taxpayers couldn’t afford.

Park Board members heard nearly identical arguments when they approved the lease last month. The council gets final say on the contract.

At least 75 people showed up at the hearing, with more than half wearing blue ribbons saying “PSC - Yes.”

Ken Withey, a critic of the proposal, called the hearing an “orchestrated event,” because so many teachers and Park Board members spoke in favor of the project.

“Of the 24 who were members of the public, 12 of those were children,” Withey said. “Those kids will be paying for that science center.”

Several parents came to the podium with their children in tow, making passionate pleas to bring to Spokane the science center they enjoy in Seattle.

Scott Jones, joined by his wife and three sons, promised the council his family would attend on a regular basis.

“It’s a great family outing where my family can get together and do family events,” Jones said.

“I like the rides and video games, but I’d rather hang out in the science center if I had the choice,” said Mark Charyk, a fourthgrader at Pioneer Elementary School. “Give me and my friends the choice.”

Jerry Layman, speaking for the Spokane Chamber of Commerce, praised the center’s scientific bent, saying children who learned there could end up “on the first spaceship to Mars. We must encourage children to be curious.”

Jonathan Swanstrom told the council he’d be all for the plan if he thought Spokane could support it, but he doesn’t.

“Do I want a science center? Yes,” Swanstrom said. “I also want Disneyland, Sea World and Knott’s Berry Farm.”

John Talbot said he also liked the idea, but thought private industry, not taxpayer money, should support it.

Withey, along with Mamie Picard and Lisa Killian, urged the measure be put before the taxpayers for a vote.

“Let people vote,” Picard said. “Yeah or nay, it must be their decision.”

Don Skaufel urged that the lease not be signed until the science center boosters had raised the $10 million needed for the project.

So far, they’ve raised about $1.9 million private donations and $1.25 million in federal money.

The proposed contract leases the Pavilion to the Seattle-based science center for 20 years with two 10-year renewal options.

A separate five-year services contract with the center proposes that the city and Park Board pay the center $400,000 a year for two years, reducing the amount each year thereafter.

In return, the center plans to give reduced and free admission tickets to students, senior citizens and low-income persons.