Please come to testify against wasteful funding for National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Capital Committee to hold public hearing Thursday, February 28 at 6 PM

COASTers are called to action to testify before a special committee appointed to make recommendations to the Hamilton County delegation to the Ohio legislature and Governor Strickland on Thursday, February 28, 2008 (that's this coming Thursday) at 6:00 PM at the County Commission hearing room, 6th floor, 138 East Court Street (County Administrative Building).

Among other requests, the Committee will be considering requests for funding from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, including five different projects totaling more than $3.75 million. One project request receiving considerable media attention is $1.4 million sought for relocating the Freedom Center's front entrance.

While ultra-wealthy Freedom Center promoter John Pepper has bought access to the halls of power in Columbus by spreading tens of thousands of political contributions to state legislators and the Governor, this may be the only opportunity COASTers have to influence the decision as to whether to continue to squander millions upon millions of dollars on this boondoggle. The Freedom Center has also launched a taxpayer-funded effort to show "grass roots" support, so we expect a large turnout from pro-Freedom Center forces at the hearing.

Background information: Every two years, the Ohio legislature allocates approximately $20 million to capital projects in Hamilton County. The Chamber of Commerce has determined to appoint a committee of its members to "recommend" which projects should be funded. Of course, John Pepper has extensive contacts within the Committee and will work to continue the funding of this wasteful institution. You can read here the history of the Freedom Center's misrepresentations and "overselling" to get more and more of your tax dollars. Even the Cincinnati Enquirer has chastised the Freedom Center for its continuing abuse of tax dollars.

Please come and testify in opposition to this request for funds by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.