As a Federal Way taxpayer, I support Deputy Mayor Jim Ferrell’s reasons for voting against the performing arts and conference center (PACC) as it has been presented and the concerns of Councilwomen Kelly Maloney and Susan Honda.

Even though the council may have the authority to approve this project without voter approval, it’s the taxpayers’ responsibility to pay for any shortfall in construction costs and future maintenance and operating expenses.

Currently, the operation of the community center has an annual shortfall in excess of $1,000,000. I have not heard what is being done to correct this situation. What is the maximum potential operating loss for the PACC?

This project should be voted on by the Federal Way citizens, allowing ample time for community presentations and discussion before spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on schematic drawings. If the vote is favorable, step one should be an independent feasibility study to determine the viability of the project and whether it provide any momentum for developing a Federal Way city center.

The development plan at this point appears to rely heavily on federal and state funding. Is this realistic? There should be more information provided on what level of performing arts we could expect to perform in this facility and what would be the range of admission prices. I am concerned that there is a level of optimism that “if we build it and they will come.” It takes more than optimism. It takes sound planning, a top-rated facility, hard work and dedicated supporters. Within a 30-minute drive of Federal Way there are numerous facilities competing for the entertainment dollars.

Don Vandenheuvel, Federal Way