Help for the Lehigh Valley Zoo?

 

In these trying economic times, it is imperative that governments make sound financial choices to ensure that taxpayers’ money is being spent wisely.

One of these haunting and long lasting decisions will be discussed at the January 14, 2009 Lehigh County Commissioners meeting. The question before the board is whether the taxpayers of Lehigh County should spend $400,000 this year to help the Leigh Valley Zoo survive. So far, Lehigh County has already provided a $150,000 line of credit to keep the zoo operating until February 2009. There is no doubt that the zoo is at a critical juncture.

This leads to several interesting questions. First, is Lehigh County the only government entity with responsibility to fund the Lehigh Valley Zoo or should Northampton County bear some of this burden? Second, is the zoo worth saving? In fact, is it the responsibility of government to preserve cultural treasures, such as libraries, art museums, and, yes, zoos?

It is important to examine these issues from a broader community perspective. I believe we have the responsibility to create cultural treasures for all citizens of the various municipalities in the Lehigh Valley. I realize this statement smacks of regional cooperation in the management of our cultural attractions. But, we are at a point in time in our community development, where we need to put aside our differences and create regional services. Yes, I do believe that Northampton County bears some of the burden to fund the Lehigh Valley Zoo. As we teach our children, it is time to share.

I think Aristotle said it best. “All men by nature desire knowledge.” Do we have the responsibility to create and preserve cultural treasures that enhance our ability to teach our children? Do we have the responsibility to teach our children about the animals that inhabitant our planet? The simple answer is yes. It is important to create multiple educational opportunities for our children. Zoos are an important link in our educational journey and deserve to be preserved.

So here is my proposal: Lehigh County should fund $150,000 and Northampton County should provide another $150,000. The Zoo leadership team needs to raise the last $100,000 needed to keep the zoo operating. It must then present a viable business plan to achieve profitability within two years. Finally, a partnership with the Philadelphia Zoo for assistance in creating a robust marketing plan should be created.

In reality, this decision is about enhancing our quality of life, and not about political games. It is time to act!