This is part of our Cardinal Way project on promoting civil discussions.
Lynchburg City Council member Jacqueline Timmer recently proposed that private funding and volunteers could be used to support the city’s libraries and public pool. We ran two opposing opinion pieces on this suggestion, one from Geoffrey Kershner of the Academy Center of the Arts in opposition and one from Timmer elaborating on her thoughts. (She’s since said she’s talking with the YMCA of Central Virginia about having the Y take over ownership of the pool in Miller Park as long as it allows public access.)
With those two opinion pieces, we ran a questionnaire to see what readers thought about private funding. Although the question applies more broadly, most of the responses came from Lynchburg. This wasn’t intended as a scientific survey, but rather to get some flavor of public opinion. Here’s a representative sample of answers.
Which government services, if any, can or should be privately funded?
Government services should be funded by the government. Hanging your hopes on the appetite to share, or more likely, the tax breaks offered to the wealthy to “share the wealth” is a fool’s errand. Most large-scale modern philanthropy is an effort to avoid taxes or redirect their tax burden to pet projects. Taxes support the common good and people shouldn’t just get to pick and choose what common goods they like and want to contribute to. That just makes the personal goods, not common ones.
Molly Eden, Forest
Trick question. In some cases we can create a hybrid which includes both private and public. City owns the properties they cannot be excluded. Volunteers, contributors, etc. would have to receive approval and work with the city on any project. There is cost on both sides.
Janice Quattlebaum, Lynchburg
To what extent are amenities such as libraries and parks vital government services? Why or why not?
Libraries, a public pool, & parks & trails are vital to the well being of any community. These services and amenities help attract people (and the companies who hire them) to our community.
Cynthia Seng, Lynchburg
They are not vital. Critical services and clean, safe schools are vital. Libraries and parks are amenities that can be supplemented by community volunteers and contributors.
Janice Quattlebaum, Lynchburg
All citizens can and do benefit from having these services available from the city. It should never be dependent upon those who can afford to go elsewhere.
Beth White, Lynchburg
Entirely. Third places are so important! Especially to young adult and teens. If you look at communities without these amenities you will find higher crime and drug use. We need these spaces of community gathering to build resilience as a community. I am a home owner and I am happy to pay taxes for the good of my community. These local taxes do more to affect me personally than any federal or state taxes I pay.
Alison Wolf, Christiansburg
The availability and accessibility of Miller Park Pool is essential to the bonds in a Community that still suffers from a lack of Lynchburg community support. This City has no business trying to privatize it! The same goes for the Library. It exists to serve the ENTIRE Lynchburg Community! No child or adult should ever be turned away from the Public Library! There might be folks who would give more generously to these Public entities. However, they cannot be expected to always follow through!
Leah Oxley Harness, Lynchburg
Are there sufficient private resources in YOUR community to support libraries, parks and other amenities at their current (or greater) levels? Why or why not?
There are not. And honestly there is no viable way to separate library services into community centers or corral enough volunteers to make these services happen. This “roll up your sleeves/can do” attitude is impractical and aspirational. The people who think this will work have no stake in any of these services.
Mary McCarthy, Lynchburg
No. Again, city services can and should not ever depend on private funds. People are fickle and will soon send their money elsewhere.
Beth White, Lynchburg
No. The success of a city depends on a majority of residents being willing to think about not only what benefits them directly, but what improves the lives of everyone. Lynchburg has citizens who even publicly object to our trash cans. Without casting aspersions, I highly doubt those same people would pick up trash in the absence of public receptacles. There is a big picture understanding that seems to be lacking. The opinion that someone else would/should take care of (fill in the blank) isn’t an informed opinion.
Kate Goodman, Lynchburg
We have a large population of retirees with valuable skills. Many want to contribute their time to the community.
Janice Quattlebaum, Lynchburg
I’ve seen our food banks run low because of low donations. I don’t hear of anyone trying to build housing for our homeless. Libraries under private control can become controversial because of book bans or other attempts to control thinking and culture. Private donors are fickle, but public needs remain.
Sharon Wright, Lynchburg
No. Lack of resources, money, etc puts funding on an unstable foundation which would impact hiring and planning. Once you lack consistency of operation customers quit coming. Vicious cycle
T.J. Liston, Lynchburg
I think it depends on the community. I live in an underserved community where libraries and parks are vital government services. Local neighborhoods can’t provide private libraries, parks or pools. We currently have a private pool that sits empty because there’s no funding for it. Our Library especially is essential to the health and well-being of our small town.
Karen Richardson, Waverly
I live in Christiansburg, we have a rec center, a pool, and several wonderful parks (including a brand new giant one) and we are part of the Montgomery – Floyd regional library system which pools its resources so I can use any of the libraries in the system. While there are still issues, (our sidewalks are a patchwork joke) I love all of the effort my town has put into making Christiansburg such a wonderful place to live!
Alison Wolf, Christiansburg
No it’s not. The Private resources only support communities that are wealthy.
Aaliyah Dabney
Not at all. If there is private money available let it speak up.
B.Y. Calvert, Lynchburg
