 editorial, Fri, July 24th, 2009 Faced with declining revenues, the Saratoga Springs City Council is looking to place a $2 surcharge on Live Nation events held at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. In other words, rock, pop and rap concerts would be taxed, classical programming would be exempt. The motive, said Finance Commissioner Ken Ivins, is to cover any additional cost incurred by the city in public safety measures taken during those events. At the Tuesday, July 21, City Council meeting, Ivins asked Public Safety Commissioner Ron Kim to prepare an outline of how rock concerts at SPAC impact the city’s spending, particularly with police overtime. But here’s a wrinkle: The funds — the collection of which would have to be approved by the City Council, state Legislature and governor — would be placed in the general fund, not set aside specifically to address the issues that Ivins says are prompting the charge. There is no doubt that Live Nation events create a certain amount of ribaldry that requires extra policing. Earlier this summer, at a Dave Matthews Band concert, a concertgoer was charged with felony assault after allegedly pummeling another fan, sending him to the hospital. But we agree with SPAC President and Executive Director Marcia White when she says that the venue is on state parkland and is covered by park police. If more park police are needed, then let’s lobby the state to address that, not create a slush fund that may or may not be used for law enforcement. White also made the point that concertgoers are already doing their fair share to the Spa City by frequenting its businesses when they come to shows. And it’s true. Dave Matthew’s fans may be less refined than fans of the ballet, but they have to eat too. As for the ballet and other classical programming being spared the charge, Accounts Commissioner John Franck said there are rarely high-profile crime situations that require extra security in the venue or city during those events. “People who tend to listen to Mozart or listen to Swan Lake don’t tend to get in fist fights,” he said. He’s got a point. But before we go painting with broad strokes, we’d like to remind Franck of a gentleman named Nilas Martins. Martins was a New York City Ballet principal dancer on tour at SPAC in July 2007 when he was charged with felony possession of cocaine after police found him in a parked car with another man. CATEGORY: General Society
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