There’s No Honor In A Broken Pledge

Sun., March 16, 1997

Anne Windishar/For The Editorial

Spokane Symphony executive director Jonathan Martin says he has a pact with Spokane; a covenant, if you will.

He promises to do nothing that will jeopardize the quality of the symphony’s performances despite recent budget surprises.

Spokane County Commissioners could follow Martin’s example and learn something about promises.

The commissioners made a commitment last year to give the symphony $17,000 from a motel tax that’s meant to promote tourism. Last week, Kate McCaslin and Phil Harris teamed up to break that promise, saying promoting the symphony was not a priority.

Instead, McCaslin would rather spend the money to market Spokane’s golf courses and the fairgrounds - moneymakers from which the county would directly benefit.

The abrupt about-face comes only four months before the end of the symphony’s fiscal year, not enough time to make up the money. That means cuts, Martin says, in a year already made lean by the ice storm.

Symphony representatives will meet with McCaslin on Monday to make their case for the money and ask that the commission reconsider. McCaslin hinted Friday that she would change her vote, for this year.

That’s only fair. The symphony was promised the money and deserves it. But not just this year - every year.

Why? First, Spokane’s symphony brings money to town. The symphony has an extended economic impact of $5 million to $6 million in tourism money each year. Not bad for a $2 million organization.

It employs more than 100 full-time and part-time employees and 90 percent of the money spent on the symphony stays right in Spokane. Musicians spend countless hours providing in-school programs and free concerts.

Especially notable this year is the upcoming convention of Subud, a non-denominational spiritual organization that will bring 3,000 world delegates to Spokane in August. Organizers say Spokane’s symphony was a key consideration for the group in deciding where to hold its gathering; in fact, they’ve booked the symphony for a concert for its delegates. The two-week conference is estimated to bring $6.5 million in tourism dollars to hotels, restaurants and shops.

So, that’s the money side. But what of the spiritual side? What of art?

Spokane can ill afford to lose or weaken its superb symphony. More than just a plaything for the rich, a symphony is an indicator of the depth of a community. It’s a barometer of civility, culture and quality of life.

The world is not only about profit and loss, arithmetic and business. Music provides a fundamental expression of who we are and how we are.

The county commission should know that, and acknowledge it generously with money and support.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Anne Windishar/For the editorial board

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.