WNYresident
January 31st, 2004, 12:45 PM
Posted on www.buffalo.com. You are not responding to the original writer but your comments would be appreciated.
The original post (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20040131/1009998.asp)
Devote more funds to Science Museum
1/31/2004
The Allegany State Park Historical Society is concerned with the recent changes enacted at the Buffalo Museum of Science. It is an institution that we hold in high regard. For this reason, we have decided to voice our concerns.
We understand that all cultural institutions are facing budget restraints and that some changes are necessary. What is difficult to understand is our county executive calling for budgetary restraint and then awarding a contract for office furniture, which has been identified as substantially higher than any other bid submitted, to a political supporter. This clearly is an example of politics as usual rather than a sincere attempt to use the taxpayers' money for something that would be beneficial to his constituency.
With this said, we must voice our disappointment in the reduction of experienced museum staff. We feel this will ultimately be harmful. The museum is known for its archival collections, and to have them managed and maintained by inexperienced interns seems counterproductive.
A recent article described the catastrophe that happened to the Niagara Falls Historical Museum collection. It culminated with Gen. Porter's ceremonial sword being advertised for sale on e-Bay. To this day, no one knows what has happened to most of the collection. We would hate to think that this could happen to our own Museum of Science.
We feel it is a step backward to reduce the museum's hours of operation, because this will reduce contact with students in Western New York and Southern Ontario.
Office furniture: $500,000. Museum of Science: priceless. How do we want our tax dollars spent?
PAUL T. LEWIS
President, Allegany State Park
Historical Society
The original post (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20040131/1009998.asp)
Devote more funds to Science Museum
1/31/2004
The Allegany State Park Historical Society is concerned with the recent changes enacted at the Buffalo Museum of Science. It is an institution that we hold in high regard. For this reason, we have decided to voice our concerns.
We understand that all cultural institutions are facing budget restraints and that some changes are necessary. What is difficult to understand is our county executive calling for budgetary restraint and then awarding a contract for office furniture, which has been identified as substantially higher than any other bid submitted, to a political supporter. This clearly is an example of politics as usual rather than a sincere attempt to use the taxpayers' money for something that would be beneficial to his constituency.
With this said, we must voice our disappointment in the reduction of experienced museum staff. We feel this will ultimately be harmful. The museum is known for its archival collections, and to have them managed and maintained by inexperienced interns seems counterproductive.
A recent article described the catastrophe that happened to the Niagara Falls Historical Museum collection. It culminated with Gen. Porter's ceremonial sword being advertised for sale on e-Bay. To this day, no one knows what has happened to most of the collection. We would hate to think that this could happen to our own Museum of Science.
We feel it is a step backward to reduce the museum's hours of operation, because this will reduce contact with students in Western New York and Southern Ontario.
Office furniture: $500,000. Museum of Science: priceless. How do we want our tax dollars spent?
PAUL T. LEWIS
President, Allegany State Park
Historical Society