Freedom Center Foes Track Cash

Two area groups allege a financially struggling museum is legally trying to curry favors from state officials who will decide whether to give taxpayer money to the institution.

The groups — the Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes (COAST) and the Blue Chip Young Republicans — oppose giving any further state funding to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. COAST issued a press release today detailing all the money that the museum's executives and board members have contributed to Ohio officials in recent years.

People affiliated with the museum have donated more than $80,000 during the past three years to Gov. Ted Strickland and key members of the Ohio House and Senate, the groups noted.

Of that amount, museum executives gave more than $45,500 to Strickland’s campaign for governor and another $6,300 to State Sen. Eric Kearney, who is the chief lawmaker that’s lobbying to get funding this year for the Freedom Center.

COAST compiled the contribution totals using campaign finance disclosure forms.

Other elected officials who’ve received contributions from people associated with the museum include State Rep. Michelle Schneider, who got $3,750 in 2006, the same year the Freedom Center received more than $2 million in the state’s capital budget. Also, State Sen. Bill Seitz, who the groups allege is lobbying behind the scenes for museum funding, has received more than $2,800.

COAST began scouring campaign finance reports after museum spokesman Paul Bernish responded to a recent item on the Cincinnati Beacon blog about Freedom Center officials hosting an April 15 cocktail reception for lobbyists.

In the item, the Blue Chip club noted the reception was being held in a year when the museum has $3.75 million in pending requests before state lawmakers. Bernish replied that club president Jeff Cappel appeared to suggest the museum was trying to “buy a legislator,” which was “close to accusing the Freedom Center of commiting (sic) a criminal act.”

“Well, COAST does not know what Capell intended, but it suggests to its readers that the actions of the (Freedom Center executives) speak for themselves,” the press release states.

Opened in 2004, the Freedom Center ran up a $5.5 million deficit in its first year. The museum later cut about $3 million from its annual budget and called on retired Procter & Gamble CEO John Pepper to help raise $10 million for an endowment. Cincinnati City Council last year approved giving $800,000 to the museum to help pay off $25 million in construction debt.

Critics said the museum shouldn’t be dependent on taxpayer funding to remain open. Supporters point out that several local attractions like the Cincinnati Museum Center and the Cincinnati Zoo receive public subsidies, adding that singling out the Freedom Center for criticism has racist undertones. Critics, however, reply that those organizations seek approval of tax levies from voters.

The Freedom Center commemorates the safe houses and secret routes, known as the Underground Railroad, that slaves used on their way to northern free states in the 19th century. Many such stops are located throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

— Kevin Osborne

Comments

[JFD]

I would much rather see State and City funds go to the importation of jobs to the region, rather than continued funding of a museum than few people will ever visit; and it really doesn't matter which side of the building the entrance is on. Turn it into a casino and create an income stream for the City and County; and as an added bonus, keep the downtown hotels and restaurants hopping on a full time basis.

[onetinsoldier]

When President Lincoln aimed to end slavery he knew that it couldn't suvive a public vote and an outcome of a majority. Racism would prevail and the nation would have to fight, good against evil, to discover its destiny.

Same holds true here.

The Museum is in a region where, despite the efforts of the continuing underground railroad of freedom that still operates against a tide (COAST) of bitterness, greed and racism - a public vote would have evil prevail.

Until the need for the Museum is abolished today, the need for taxpayer support through a fight for funding must continue.

The Museum is a reflection of both our pride and our prejudice. The targeting of this center by those who don't appreciate its symbolism and importance stands in contrast to its very existence.

As to the Zoo and Natural History Museum - their continuing need for public funding only proves the budgetary problems of the Freedom Center are not unique or frivolous.

[Political Junkie]

"...the efforts of the continuing underground railroad of freedom that still operates against a tide (COAST) of bitterness, greed and racism."

Uhhh, what underground railroad would that be? And to compare a porrly planned MUSEUM with the efforts of true freedom fighters is ridiculous.