A VENT about Detroit City Council

We love the Detroit Zoo and we always buy a family membership. We can't help that Detroit is a financial mess, but why is the race card always played? If Detroit can't keep the Zoo running (let's not forget the Zoo isn't even in Detroit, much less Wayne County), sell it to Oakland County (where it is located and is one of the richest counties in America) or the other surrounding counties. Plenty of private funding could be raised to keep the Zoo alive. GM, Chrysler and Ford already donate millions in renovation projects and I'm sure plenty of other private citizens and corporations would help.

There are over 1 million visitors to the Zoo annually, where is the money going? After all the money that was spent and made on Super Bowl what gives? At the end of the day, I don't think the Zoo will close, but I am sure offended by the comments of a council woman who is supposed to care about Detroit and should show some professionalism. The biggest question is how does playing the race card help keep the Zoo open? I just don't get it. Its not a wonder that Detroit and the suburbs still remain far a part as long as attitudes like this exist. Please Detroit, stop playing the race card and get to work. My opinion only.

The Future of the Detroit Zoo
By Kimberly Craig Web produced by Sarah MorganFebruary 20, 2006

Detroit’s financial mess has put the Detroit Zoo on the endangered list. City council members said their vote was not to close the zoo, but some felt they were being bullied by a state deadline and lawmakers who look down on Detroit.

Council member Barbara-Rose Collins said the state’s deadline for the city to sign over zoo operations to the Zoological society boiled down to disrespect. Many council members felt they were being bullied into handing over zoo operations without an agreement they were comfortable with.

Some city council members said they were largely opposed to giving $10 million in capital improvement funds to the society and paying almost $1 million a year for insurance and security without getting any of the revenue.

City council members said they also wanted to have a say in who would be hired as the director.
Council member Martha Reeves said, "Whoever runs the zoo should have an understanding with the city council. And it was not clear what the actual agreement was, it was never completed."

Collins said, "The symbolism is that Detroit is a black city and that we’re unable to govern ourselves. So we need an overseer, the state legislature, or what have you, to step in and tell us what we must do and how to do it."

She said she will not sign off on an operating agreement until it protects Detroit’s interests and the state should not try to force them with a funding deadline.
"That is a racist attitude. I resent it very much. I’m trying not to let it color my judgments, but we’re not a plantation, blacks aren’t owned by white folks anymore," said Collins.
The Kilpatrick administration and the Zoological society proposed an agreement that council rejected on Monday. A spokesperson for the mayor said the process of closing the zoo has begun. But, she added, the door is still open to discussions with council members should they come up with an alternate plan.
City Council members said they will work with the mayor to raise funds to keep the zoo open.
"I don’t believe that the zoo will close, I believe that the zoological society and the city council will come to an agreement," said Collins.
Governor Jennifer Granholm said, "We asked the legislature to approve $4 million to allow the Detroit Zoo to continue. Obviously it’s a cultural gem and I hope that the Detroit City Council does what it needs to do to make sure that gem continues."
Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. council members will hold a press conference at the city county building to address questions about the zoo’s future.
3,000 animals call the Detroit Zoo home. 130 workers are employed there and 25 are employed by the Detroit Zoological Society. All would be impacted by the zoo’s closing.
Senior Zoo Keeper Bestsie Davis said, "They’ve become like a second family to me. I take care of them every day. I look forward to coming to the zoo every day. I love this job, even on the coldest day of the year I here and I’m ready to go. I hope these animals recognize me and that my commitment to them is extreme."
According to Zoo Director Ron Kagan, if the zoo closed the animals would be sent to other accredited zoos or sanctuaries across the country.
"It would be very tragic," he said.
About 1 million people visit the zoo annually.
7 Action News has launched "Growl For Action," a campaign to raise funds for the zoo.