Axing arts foments an outcry

EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Eagle Mountain Mayor Kelvin Bailey says when the Arts Council board resigned en masse in September 2003, they gave up the right to complain about what the city would do next concerning city arts programs.

But arts program aficionados say personal circumstances prompted some of those resignations and that the other stemmed from a perceived lack of support from the City Council and mayor.

The former board members were at Tuesday's City Council meeting to protest the repealing of the city ordinance that established the council.

Bailey, who wanted to eliminate the council prior to the mass resignation, said the city now has an opportunity to see what the private sector can do.

"The continued fervor at trying to get rid of the Arts Council reeks of political vindictiveness," said Jana Cox, a former board member. "No other entities, such as the sports, library or youth council have been targeted. Keep the Arts Council. Listen to your constituents."

Cox contends that formation of the Lake Mountain Arts Guild — which is being spearheaded by Councilman Mark Madsen — does not fulfill the city's need for an arts council because the guild is not dedicated specifically to Eagle Mountain's cultural needs.

Madsen, who made the motion to repeal the city ordinance, said he believes government should step away and let private groups take over.

"I believe in limited government," Madsen said. "So naturally, I am at odds with people who believe government should be involved in just about everything."

Madsen said money isn't really the issue, although he acknowledged that Eagle Mountain is currently strapped financially. And, he rejects claims that repealing the ordinance equates to censorship of the arts.

"I respect the investment people have made. I understand the upset," he said, "but I think that the private sector will more than compensate."

Councilwoman Diane Jacob said repealing the ordinance is a slap in the face to those who worked hard for four years to bring arts to the fledgling community. She favored giving former councilman Brigham Morgan another month to convert the current Arts Council to a private organization.

"I'll vote nay because I think it's terrible that we won't give them 30 days. We should let them go forward," Jacob said.

Newly elected Councilman Vincent Liddiard said while he embraces and supports the arts, "It's time for government to get out of the way."

Councilwoman Linn Strouse said she believes there are more pressing needs for taxpayer money such as emergency services and public safety.

"You need to have your vegetables before your dessert," she said.

Arts Council proponents said the council has reached a point where it is now eligible for grants that are given to programs that have been operating for at least three years. That is a big step in becoming self-supporting they contend. They also noted the city, by disbanding the council, may be forced to return valuable equipment and other assets to the state.

"We can accomplish your goals, get the government hands out, but (we should) not waste four years of work," Morgan said. "Give me until the first meeting in February."

City Attorney Jerald Kinghorn said he doesn't believe the city can convert the Arts Council to a private organization and still remain eligible for the grants that require proof of council-supported longevity.

"There's no legal way to make that transition," Kinghorn said.

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