Wheaton council OK with history demise

Our city of Wheaton has had a remarkable history. It would be unforgivable to let this history fade away without proper recordation.

Yet the majority of members in our city council seem unwilling to save our outstanding Center for History. This program depends upon the city for its financial support. Instead of cooperating with this program and sustaining it, the majority of our council seems determined to scuttle it.

For several years our city provided the center with over $200,000 each year, which was the lifeblood of this program. Now, our city council has terminated all financial support and, in addition, appears to have lost any pride in our beautiful history museum.

The support of our city is essential to the continuation of the history center. Whereas the council's trimming of $300,000 per year from our library's budget is crippling to the library, it is not a lethal blow. However, the loss of over $200,000 per year to our Center for History is crucial and is actually killing our program for history preservation.

Unfortunately, what seems to generate this action by the council is a dislike for the one person who has been responsible for establishing the Center and preserving our history. These feelings are not openly expressed but are camouflaged by statements to the effect that, "We don't like the way that the center is spending its money."

In the meantime, our main vehicle for preserving this city's history is steadily foundering and slipping under. It is pathetic to see all staff employees laid off and only one person present at our magnificent center with a hand on the helm of this ship. The majority of our city council seems satisfied to stand on the shore and watch our ship sink under the waves.

Lewis V. Morgan, Jr.

Retired Circuit Judge

Wheaton