Letter to the Editor, Posted: 2/6/04
Zoo debate is good, but it should fund itself
To the editor:
It's good to see we are having some healthy debates about how to turn the zoo around. I am glad that Mr. Mindeman, in his letter to the editor Jan. 31, cares so much about having activities for the citizens of Minneapolis. He makes a strong case for the removal of the government chains that bind the zoo and (in the past) the planetarium.
In his letter Mr. Mindeman states that the zoo "is not just a place to house animals -- it has a world class high school and excellent conservation studies, as well as outstanding low cost community education services.î
Wow, with all that going for it, the zoo should have no problem turning a profit on its own. If we remove the temptation of government money and let the zoo operate on the free market, these services should bring in tons of revenue, the profit motive will motivate the zoo's management and employees to cut costs and make the services more efficient, and the zoo will expand and create jobs.
If we ask the government to do anything, it should be to just get out of the way, exempt the zoo from paying the onerous state taxes it must now pay, and let the zoo tune itself into the desires of its customers. I think the removal of both government subsidies and burdens such as taxation are the real reason I would call my legislator.
As for the planetarium, I look forward to either Mr. Mindeman, or another entrepreneurial citizen starting the planetarium again as a private enterprise. If it was as good as Mr. Mindeman says (and I have no reason to doubt him), planetarium should turn a profit right away because it is in such high demand. These profits then can be reinvested in the business and add to the quality of programs the planetarium offers.
Overall I am very excited for the prospect of entertainment around our area. With these businesses unshackled from the coercive influence of the government, the future's so bright, I gotta wear shades!
HAL CRANMER
Lakeville
Thisweek Newspapers
12190 County Road 11, Burnsville, MN 55337
Telephone: 952-894-1111 Fax: 952-846-2010