Op-Ed:  Saratoga Springs Does Not Value the Arts

 

Elizabeth Conant

 

The Saratoga City Council voted down a proposed budget for a swath of arts programs for kids as well as other community-oriented programs, all of which are designed to enrich and expand the lives of its residents.  The allotment was less than 1/10th of 1% of the annual budget.  Take that in.

The Saratoga County Republican Committee posted on its Facebook page that it was pleased with the vote, calling this meager sum earmarked for enrichment programs a “hand out”.   Language designed to be inflammatory and vitriolic.

Funding is not a reckless tossing away of money into the air; a community which supports the arts supports the wellbeing of its citizens. Saratoga gives only lip service to its arts programs.  Money wins again.  A disheartening turn for this community.

 

Elizabeth Conant is a musician, writer and teacher who lives in Greenfield Center.  Saratoga Report desires to have varied viewpoints on issues important to our community.   Please send submissions to info@saratoga-report.com.  Submissions are subject to editing.