Backed by a showing of strong public support to retain all 20 Steppingstone Performing Arts summer shows, all three Great Neck Park District commissioners have stated that they will maintain this proposed schedule in the upcoming budget. Speaking at the end of a public discussion on the show budget at the park board meeting last Wednesday evening, Sept. 10, commissioners Bob Lincoln, Ivar Segalowitz and Ruth Tamarin all expressed the desire to maintain the schedule, particularly in light of the many requests for all 20 shows and the fact that the 20-show schedule actually costs each park district household only $5 per year in taxes.

This discussion came as a direct result of issues raised at a budget working session. While the commissioners claim that a small handful of residents were seeking to cut the shows from 20 to 10, a few residents spoke out, claiming that they were only looking to save money (and tax payments).

As the Sept. 10 meeting began, Park District Superintendent Neil Marrin explained that, in response to the queries about concerts and finances, the park district had its financial auditor, Steve Kressler, produce the figures for the performances.

Mr. Kressler reported that the proposed 2009 budget for the Steppingstone Performing Arts shows has several variables, and some costs would remain the same with a reduced schedule, while some would decrease. Costs such as rental equipment (lighting, audio, backline, etc.) remain the same, since they must be rented for the season. The same holds true for the truck rental. The proposed total show budget is $320,734. If the performances were cut to 10, the budget would be cut to $190,284.

Twenty shows cost each park district taxpayer 50 cents per show.

About 50 residents attended the Sept. 10 meeting. About a dozen spoke, and all, except for four, spoke strongly in favor of maintaining the 20-show schedule. Several spoke of not using all the park facilities, but always being in favor of maintaining each one, so everyone can be accommodated and make their choices. Many spoke of the pleasure of always counting on a wonderful summer Saturday and Sunday night out at Steppingstone, whether or not they attend each and every concert.

When one resident asked why the commissioners were even considering reducing the number of concerts, especially when the cost per household is so low, Park Board Chair Ivar Segalowitz explained that the board is trying to "hold the line," with "as little increases as possible," during this time of inflation. Commissioner Tamarin then reminded the audience that three years ago the board had said that the public would feel the effects of the bond in three years ... and that time is now. "We will try to cut out any unnecessary expenses," she said.

Along the same lines, later in the evening, Commissioner Lincoln said that the board addressed the cut schedule issue in order to bring the suggested idea before the public and learn what the public wants.

As for the $5 per year cost to each household, several residents said they considered that money "well spent." Quite a few older residents noted that, for seniors on a fixed income, the concerts, with transportation available, are a highlight of the year.

There was also some discussion concerning non-residents of the park district attending concerts. Each park district resident is permitted two guests at each concert; some felt this causes too much crowding. Some also felt that there should be a fee, especially since other park district activities (pool, tennis, marina, courses, etc.) all have fees. With a claim that too many people, without park cards, just push through the gate, one person raised the possibility of better security, possibly police security at the gate.

As residents spoke up in favor of the 20-show schedule, three residents --- Elizabeth Allen, Rebecca Gilliar, and Jean Pierce --- came forward and said that when they made suggestions at the budget work session, they were not asking to cut the number of performances in half, but were just asking the park board to look at ways to reduce costs. Commissioner Tamarin disagreed, stating the board was asked to consider reducing the show schedule.

One lifelong Great Neck resident stated that she had mixed feelings about a reduced show schedule. She also stated that originally, there were not shows every Saturday and Sunday evening, and maybe reducing the number would give everyone a chance to plan weekends around the shows. However, several people spoke up saying that these shows are their summer "staycations" and that all of the park offerings add great value to their homes. As well, several residents stated that one of the reasons many of them bought their homes was the excellent park facilities.

A 50-year resident said that she noted the much improved level of shows has attracted more and more people each year. Another longtime resident produced a quickly gathered petition in favor of maintaining the schedule. Within a matter of minutes, 15 tennis players signed on for 20 shows per season.

As the discussion drew to a close, Mr. Lincoln said that they "owed it to the public" to allow this very important" discussion. However, he said that the money saved was "not worth the value" of cutting these highly popular performances. Mr. Lincoln called for maintaining the show schedule as proposed.

Ms. Tamarin said that the suggestion of a guest fee for shows was "something to consider seriously" and should be considered for next year's budget and the following years' budgets. But she stated that the 20-show schedule should remain, as it is "an absolute plus for the majority."

Mr. Segalowitz said that he "feels better" knowing that they opened the issue to public discussion. He said that he "heard a clear voice" from the community and "will act accordingly."

The 20-show schedule for the 2009 Steppingstone Performing Arts shows will remain in the budget.