To the Federal Way City Council, The Mirror and citizens of Federal Way:

Performing Arts and Cultural Center — a wild idea, pie in the sky, or the stimulus for redevelopment of downtown Federal Way? We know with the state of the economy, the project may take longer, but we should not just give up. As my parents always said, “This too shall pass.”

We have capital money earmarked to us by the state. Capital funds are for the acquisition of or addition to fixed assets such as buildings or major equipment. Monies kept separate from annual operating funds. We will not be taking away beds for the homeless, money for food or human services. As a human services worker for over 20 years, I would not be involved had I ever thought money would be taken away from those of us who need help. If we don’t accept these capital monies, they will give it to somebody else, some other community.

Any time we have an election, it costs lots of money. It uses taxpayers’ money. Your money, my money and lots of time.

We have a city council, people we elected, representative government. We hire them to make the hard choices. They lobbied for a Performing Arts and Cultural Center during the 2008 Legislative session

Well, I, and many others, want them to move forward and really commit to economic prosperity. Downtown redevelopment. Jobs, Jobs, jobs. Hope for a thriving future. The Federal Way Performing Arts and Cultural Center — our flagship to the redevelopment of downtown Federal Way.

The schools need this PACC. Artists, performers, cultural groups and others need this PACC. Our community needs this PACC. I need and want this PACC.

This is a collaborative effort: The school district, the city, artists, entertainers, historical society and citizens. We are all people passionately interested in the future of Federal Way. Just plain folks, no different than anybody else.

I am tired of complacency and fear, of Federal Way being seen as an exit off the freeway. I want to be “proud as punch” for my beautiful community. I am asking the city council to move forward, and more of you to get involved. “Time is a wasting.” Let’s go!

Peg Altman

Federal Way