Submitted by Carl Lubawy, AIA
Elections, Taxes, and We Still Need Patrons
Each morning as I read the daily newspaper, I continually see topics that journalists seem to play upon to sensationalize their stories and at the same time rattle our cages. I’ve spilled enough coffee in angst when seeing again and again the same buzz words that at this point in time, I would think people would begin to say enough and start pressing for a move in a new direction. A few examples of these repetitive stories include: oil prices, oil drilling, education which includes teachers’ union, negotiations, class size, taxes, and lately, elections, which by the way always includes the discussion of taxes. Having just opened my mailbox, I’d like to give my opinion to our members on this deplorable state of what elections have become and its direct correlation to taxes.
Architecture: the art or science of…or practice of designing and constructing structures [especially] habitable ones [Webster’s definition] has, for the most part, been supported throughout history by patrons of the art. These patrons used their societal position to advance the arts – whether for their own pleasure or for society et al – to stimulate, inspire, and enlighten daily life. Pompous? Maybe, but the artisans selected produced solutions for the better part that did stimulate, inspire, and enlighten their patrons. Along the way, planning and building ordinances were adopted to protect the populous and our practice, like most professional services, became a licensed practice no longer dependent on individual patrons because taxes collected provided revenue to employ our services. Taxes have supported our profession for many years and are supporting what little work is given to architects now. And who dictates the taxes? Those we elect.
It remains that without governmental subsidies and locally supported bond measures – generated from mandated taxes or self-inflicted wounds that come with a toll – public projects would not be funded, and many privately developed projects dependent on public assistance, would not go forward. Government relies on a tax revenue base to support their communities, their constituents, their building projects. We should be aware of this during an election year by simply realizing that very few cites have the money to improve [let alone maintain] their buildings, parks, infrastructure, and modes of transportation. This dilemma – when, what, and why to tax – brings forth more or less need of our professional services and a potential further dwindling patronage to provide us the chance to stimulate, inspire, and enlighten our communities. Taken for granted, this needed tax base has been eroded from constant partisan battles, untrue election statements, a television audience, and lack of vision.
Now before the doom and gloom sets in, let’s take a deep breath, exhale, and realize that architects, as I wrote last month, remain the key in correcting our vision. Our Chapter is at the forefront of this energy and I applaud our active members. UDA is actively engaging with the neighborhoods; Design Matter quarterly discussions are stimulating architectural thought; the Capitol Mall Competition committee is encouraging City participation; our website is helping other organizations promote community awareness and events. These are in my view, political activities that will help educate the public and the elected officials, on what architecture really means and maybe, there is one candidate better than the other to understand when, what, and why taxes are needed. We need to support the candidate that will empower our services to stimulate, inspire, and enlighten daily life.
Carl, I have been struggling with a similar thought. It seems very popular these days to complain about everything, try and tear down government programs and policies and feed on the bad news. Maybe it is because we (everybody who works of a living in this country) are all cranky in having to live with less; less security, less money, less freedom to spend, less financial security and we need to take it out on somebody.
I do know that negative thinking creates negative outcomes and the more we dwell on the negative things in this economy the longer this recession/depression will go on. Architects are by their very nature optimists so not only do we have the skills to help lead, we can lead a movement to optimism also.
I must admit as an entrepreneur, business owner, architect, I have always thought that the less government got into my life and business the better off we would all be. I believed that I was smart enough to take advantage of the systems and opportunities in this country and be able to make money and gain personal and financial freedom. What I have learned in the last two years is that the system is stacked against small to medium business and only the very few can really succeed. I think the statistic is that 20% of the people of this country control 92% of the wealth (1% controls 42%!) With those odds maybe we need some help to spread the opportunity around a bit.
At this point I am very happy that the federal government is spending money. Without their money our firm would have no work. The only thing (100%) we have had in commissions for 18 months ifs publicly funded. Contrast that to our 28 years history where perhaps only 15% of our work has had government dollars. The federal spending might not be good long term fiscal policy and it is not good in good economic times but I want to thank them for saving my business this time around.
So until the patrons return, or the banks decide they want to part with their money, I will be thankful for the Recovery Act and a President that wants to help the 80% of the people of this country that only control 8% of its’ wealth. It is clear that the current state of politics does not give us the benefit of elected officials that want to do what is best for the country, only what is best for them or their party line. Maybe the future is “citizen leaders” and I think architects would be well qualified for that.
In the meantime I look forward to staying in business so I can do what I love to do and can do it for decades more. Keep the good thoughts, look at the long term, and practice creativity.