When Jim Ferrell decided to push for an elected mayor, he used “accountability” as the primary reason. Yet, I just received his latest mailing that intentionally includes false information, and I wonder where the accountability went? He brags he was the only one who “voted alone against the $50 million performing arts center.” He has exaggerated the figures by many millions. He was provided information in February of what the projected cost would be if the Performing Arts and Conference Center were built in 2010, and that figure was $31,281,000. It was $9 million less than it had been projected in January 2008, when the estimate was $40,678,565. These figures were provided by LMN Architects, designers of several performance halls, including Benaroya, McIntyre Hall in Mt. Vernon, and McCaw Hall at the Seattle Center. McIntyre Hall has been the model used for the facility envisioned here. A visit there by most of the council members (not Jim) gave them the opportunity to observe the many uses of that facility. They already have plans to expand their conference center space.

How do I know he had the new figures? Because I provided them to all the mayoral candidates and requested they use them in any discussions of the PACC. In an earlier mailing, during his campaign for “Vote Yes for Elected Mayor,” he had used the ridiculous figure of $70 million. Why? Scare tactics?

It is apparent he has not read in any detail the various feasibility studies that conclude the PACC would be of great economic benefit to the city. In additional information researched for the candidates, we found the surrounding performance halls, including three in Auburn, plus McIntyre Hall, “have never been busier!” Auburn is booking events a year in advance, and having to turn down requests daily. Where is the negative to that?

It will take a year to design a facility, once a site is selected. A citizens group is organized and ready to begin a fundraising campaign once that happens. Many are prepared to contribute, and eager for Federal Way to finally have its own facility, for not only the performing groups, but for many cultural events, speakers, seminars, conferences, meetings, receptions. Only our imagination limits its use.

So to Jim Ferrell, I say: Shame on you! You can be against it all by yourself on the council, but don’t exaggerate the cost. That’s not anybody’s idea of accountability. It does make me wonder if there is anything else he’s exaggerated or fabricated.

Joann Piquette, president, Federal Way Coalition of the Performing Arts