THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 13, 1995 TAG: 9508130247
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
A proposal to limit the benefits of membership in Portsmouth Museums could create ill will among those most supportive of the system.
The plan would limit to four the number of times members could visit the Children's Museum in a year. While a majority of them might not even go there so often, the limitations would create a ``psychological barrier,'' as Fine Arts Commission Chairman Michael Broadhurst put it.
People who buy memberships are, by and large, the same people who put in many volunteer hours, raise money and who are the public image boosters not only for the museums but for the city.
Portsmouth already has to overcome other psychological barriers that keep people from visiting the city. The Children's Museum seems the best way we have to attract a new generation to Portsmouth.
Some people from out-of-town who purchased family memberships in order to cut the costs of bringing their children to the museum should be encouraged, not discouraged, because they too are good public relations people for us.
No doubt about it, the city needs money. But City Council also must be aware of the ultimate costs of any policy that would discourage membership support. by CNB