The Macomb Daily generates an easy weekend story with a hot-button question about the DIA on its Facebook page:
When you voted on the August millage for the Detroit Institute of Arts, did you realize that free admission for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties did not include special exhibits like the current Faberge items? The current exhibit costs $15 for adults even with free admission.
That reopens last summer's debate over taxation, the cost of culture and -- inevitably -- relations between Detroit and its suburbs. About 40 Facebook comments, which form the core of a Saturday article, include pushback on another issue -- journalistic responsibility. Some readers scold the Mt. Clemens newspaper of asking what they see as a loaded question Friday,
"It is irresponsible of you as a newspaper to try to make this look like a disadvantage to going to the DIA," posts Amy Claeys, who's quoted by the paper. Another reader, Heidi Drahos, comments online: "This is shameful 'news reporting.' "
Among those taking a clear stand in the Facebook thread, 14 support the DIA and fees for special exhibits, while 12 do not.
These are excerpts from posts critical of the DIA or its Faberge show fee:
- "What is irresponsible is taking MY money for things that should be privately funded!" -- Scott Holloway, Fraser
- "That whole situation is a crock of stuff." -- Daniel Jones, Shelby Township "That is why I voted NO! i would only go to the special exhibits." -- Robaleen P. Bogden, Sterling Heoights
- "Half the people are forcing the other half to pay for something." -- Christopher Utykanski, Warren
- "I voted against the mileage. I believe that those who love the arts should support the arts. We are being taxed to death." -- Gail Mankiewicz, Macomb Township
- "We the public got hosed again!" -- Jerry Orlando, Roseville
Saturday's follow-up article by Chad Selweski quotes seven museum backers and nine critics. "Questions about the discrepancy were first raised last week by Macomb County Commissioner Roland Fraschetti, a St. Clair Shores Republican," writes Selewski, who also suggests the museum isn't being fully transparent:
The DIA has advertised the exhibit in the Detroit newspapers but the price of admission is not included in those ads.
He also presents the views of Tom Guastello, a past state legislator from Sterling Heights, who feels a fee to see the three-month Faberge exhibit running through Jan. 21 "is completely contrary to our contract and the intent of the voters."
“This is destroying the good will of the DIA,” said Guastello, chairman of the Oakland County Arts Institute Authority, which oversees the collection and disbursement of DIA tax dollars from Oakland.
Speaking for the other side, Troy parent Stacey Sargent says on the paper's Facebook thread:
Special exhibits have always cost extra at the DIA, as well as most other museums across the country. I don't understand what people are complaining about or why they are so shocked."
-- A.S.
