Mayoral candidate Lynn Wheat likens zoo construction costs as unlimited credit card issued in the name of Elk Grove taxpayers
https://www.elkgrovenews.net/2024/10/mayoral-candidate-lynn-wheat-likens-zoo.html?m=0
During the October 9, 2024, Elk Grove City Council meeting, a mayoral candidate warned taxpayers about the construction costs of the Sacramento Zoo's proposed relocation to Elk Grove.
Lynn Wheat, one of two candidates challenging incumbent Bobbie Singh-Allen. has used public comment on non-agenda items to convey campaign messages. During this meeting, Wheat used several props to explain the costs to taxpayers of the $300 million zoo project.
Among the props Ms. Wheat used were enlarged checks to represent money drawn from the city's various funding sources. Also, Wheat mocked up a credit card in the name of Elk Grove taxpayers with no expiration date, suggesting perpetual and unlimited financial obligations hung on taxpayers for zoo operations.
See Wheat's presentation in the video.
Even though Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen has approved the project conceptually, it faces menacing headwinds. There is widespread skepticism among elected officials and high-level public executives who spoke to Elk Grove News about the Sacramento Zoological Society's ability to raise its share of the $300 million.
The SZS has committed to raising $50 million toward the construction of the first $300 million phase. These same elected officials and public executives have independently told Elk Grove News they fear if the SZS fails to raise the $50 million, Singh-Allen will oblige Elk Grove taxpayers to make up for the shortage.
As if to confirm the fears of elected officials, public executives, and Wheat's assertion, the SZS fundraising efforts have been lackluster. A recent attempt, more akin to a high school band fundraising event, had a portion of sales from three Wendy's restaurants over two four-hour periods donated to the zoo construction fund.
Further exasperating the SZS's fundraising effort was the sudden and unexpected departure of their executive director. It is unknown if Jason Jacobs voluntarily or was forced out as executive director, but by any measure, the separation indicates significant problems at the SZS.
Undoubtedly, Mayor Singh-Allen will continue to spin an upbeat tale about the zoo's prospects. Perhaps Ms. Wheat is on to what lies ahead for Elk Grove taxpayers, who will be compelled to run up the expiration date-free credit card to pay for the SZS's fundraising shortcoming.
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4 comments
What the article as well as the Mayor and Council didn’t bring up is that the $302M set aside for the zoo is only 1/4 the current proposed cost of the complete project! The city has promoted the entirety of the zoo project while only discussing the construction costs for Phase 1 of 4.
This zoo will cost close to $1B, yes with a B, by the time it’s completed. Of course by then all then current electeds will have moved on while generations of future Elk Georgians will continue to pay for the zoo none of us had an opportunity to even vote on. Seems like a demented form of taxation without representation to me. And let’s not forget they just gave themselves a 300% raise. Vote smartly on Nov 5.
As usual, the City is late to the game. Cities have become smart when it comes to subsidizing sports stadiums--but easy-mark Elk Grove marches full speed ahead like fools! The City touts the economic benefits of the zoo, but while the taxpayers are paying the subsidy--who is getting the supposed benefits? The business owners who aren't paying a dime for the zoo.
Everyone would like to have a zoo nearby, but at what cost? This zoo will cost taxpayers dearly and for generations to come. When the bill comes due all of these council members and mayor will have moved on. This project just may bankrupt our city. Is that cost too much for an amenity that you’ll use sporadically if at all a few years after it’s established. It is to this taxpayer.
It was announced a few weeks ago that one of the main attractions at the Sacramento Zoo, the beloved snow leopard, is leaving! Where? Undisclosed!
Looks like the main attractions are getting the hell otta Dodge! Do they know something the Elk Grove City Council doesn’t?
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