Nearly everyone including Dr. Phil (“Dr. Phil’s ‘advice’ on performing arts center,” Jan. 3) agrees that Federal Way would benefit from a performing arts center (PAC), just like we would benefit from improved transportation and better schools.

However, the government can do none of these things without raising our taxes, or cutting spending somewhere else. Remember when we built our beautiful community center and allocated funds to purchase Camp Kilworth with no new taxes, only to raise taxes to pay for police? (Yes I know these are not directly related events, but you get my point.)

I challenge all those who support a PAC, both citizen and politician alike, to state how much more in taxes or voluntary donations they are personally willing to pay. I challenge the Federal Way City Council and the arts community to take the high road by saying “We can only build a PAC if taxes are increased by xx.” Alternatively, you could disclose where you would cut spending instead of raising taxes.

With this bit of full disclosures, the citizens of Federal Way will be able to make an informed decision via the November ballot or even an impromptu survey conducted by The Mirror.

Or better yet, with a projected annual cost of $250,000 (assuming all green lights with the wind to our backs), the arts community should find 250 households willing to each donate $1,000 annually to cover the costs.

Let me be one of the first to literally put my money where my mouth is. If the arts community can fund the entire annual cost of operating a PAC, without government funds (i.e. my tax dollars), I would be willing to personally commit $1,000 annually for the next 10 years. Now we just need 249 more. Good luck!

Matthew Jarvis

Federal Way