It has always been the Zoo's intention to have that $20 million, only they said they'd not have it until the end of 10 years time from now (I think that's the figure). They already have $7.3 million raised. So it's not like the State would never have seen the $20 million, the Zoo just wasn't ready to give it now.

The Republican's on this council deny creating this loophole for alterior means, but I don't believe that for a minute. They knew fully well that this huge dollar number up front was unatainable within the stipulated 2 years... they made this loophole with the intention of shooting the project down. They want to keep it off this year's ballot at all costs because voter track record shows we support such ventures by the zoo, and if we follow course we will do it again this fall.

Well GOP, it IS our money... if we want to give it to the Zoo then let us. Just let it be on the ballot already. Either accept the compromise proposed or drop the upfront money clause completely.

Hey steve, in the fundraising world raising $7.3 million in two years is NOT that great. If this was such a great project the corporations and foundations in this community would be opening up their checkbooks right and left and the zoo would have raised a lot more by now. That tells me that it either isn't a good project or the zoo doesn't know how to raise money. I suspect it's a little of both.

Steve, it is your right to give YOUR money to the zoo if you want, but you have no right to give MY tax dollars to them. If this actually makes it to the ballot i will be voting NO. The zoo hasn't proven that it can do projects without public funding. Let them do that first, raise their own money and build a project, and then I might be open to giving them tax money.

$7.3 million in 2 years (actually it's a little under 2 years I think) isn't alot of money? Sounds like a good deal of money to me. And don't be so quick to condemn/critisize their money raising abilities... they've been opperating under a 10 year plan to raise $20 million, slow and steady... assuming there wasn't any immediate hurry (as is what's trying to be pushed upon them now).

This IS a good project. Look at what the zoo has done so far to improve things for the animals (the new Elephant habitat and the Asian Highlands area of the zoo for the big cats and such). Have you researched this and scene exactly what the zoo is proposing to do with the money? They're planning some good thing. When they're done all or most of the animals should be living in MUCH better conditions than they are now (something that's been LONG over due).

You don't want your money given? Then you're free to vote "no" when this is on the ballot. Remember, we live in America where the majority rules... so we just have to live with how any voting turns out.