Czar Matthew Jarvis has again made a number of statements in his column that require correction. If he is so eager to throw out his impressions of what is happening in the city, and particularly city government, he should be talking to the horses. The city again had to take the time to correct his misstatements, this time about the Edmonds Center for the Arts funding.

It was amusing to note the know-it-all Czar, declaring “it is time for PACC supporters to get organized and start a capital campaign,” wasn’t aware the Federal Way Coalition of the Performing Arts (FWCPA) has been organized for months, has a team of grant writers investigating a long list of potential donors, and has three members who have recently attended two South Sound Grantwriters Association funders forums at their own expense. They were able to meet and identify those funders that support capital projects. The Czar and other may be interested to know that many who do not support brick and mortar aspects do fund equipment, operation, maintenance and programs.

The city and the FWCPA just signed a memorandum of understanding, so now further development of the fundraising campaign can continue. For over a year, an advisory committee that includes several members of the business community as well as an engineer, an FWPCA member, three council members and city staff have been discussing the fundraising aspects of the project, plus ways to approach likely donors interested in major contributions, and naming rights.

There will be public meetings to invite everyone interested to participate on various campaign committees. The FWCPA is an all-volunteer organization, with members of the board representing Federal Way’s performing arts groups. Rather than the $1 million the Czar suggests, we will have a goal of more than that. We will also create an endowment fund to help support the facility in future years.

So, dear Czar, so much is going on in a very positive way toward this project. You’re welcome to join us in bringing the PACC to fruition. For some of us, it has taken more than 20 years to get this far, and we are willing to work hard and invest our own money to make it happen. So please stop assuming nothing constructive is going on. Much groundwork is being down by several individuals already. We will be reporting soon on our progress.

Joann Piquette, Federal Way Coalition of the Performing Arts

Note: This letter reflects the view of the author and was written independently of the paper’s editorial board, of which the writer is a member.