Petition to Save Century II

There is a move underway to privatize Century II under out of town companies. This would be major mistake and a betrayal of the intentended purposed of Century II.

Number of signers %adv-participants-SaveCenturyII_Petition%

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Petition ot May and City Council.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

We, the undersigned, request the Wichita City Council to vote against the proposal for private management of Century II/Expo Hall. In addition, we request the City Council to urge the City Manager to immediately take the following steps.

1. Hire a professional Director for Century II/Expo Hall who will be a city employee reporting directly to the City Manager, rather than Park & Recreation.

2. Create an advisory board to be composed of citizens, representatives of performing arts organizations, exhibitors, promoters, venders, tenants, the Wichita Visitors and Convention Bureau, and community organizations that use Century II/Expo Hall. The procedures for facility uses, scheduling, marketing, and personnel matters and to make recommendations to the City Manager and City Council.

Signed by:

Campaign Launched:
August 03, 2005

Background Information

WHY CENTURY II SHOULD NOT BE PRIVATIZED

The City of Wichita has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a private firm to manage and operate the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center. Here are several reasons why the privatization of Century II is not appropriate nor in the best interest of the community.

Century II History

Century II was funded and subsequently built through the passage of a special bond issue in 1961 with the promise that it would provide a venue for private and public gatherings, including the performing arts, conventions, trade shows, banquets, public exhibits and special events. As was stated in Century II’s original mission statement: "The City of Wichita recognizes the need for community access and for this reason the City offers, through subsidy, affordable rates, which encourage maximum use." For 36 years Century II has fulfilled this mission, enhancing the City’s quality of life and creating community involvement through the performing arts and other organizations.