Letters to the Editor

Gov. Pawlenty’s response to a new Bell Museum

Published: 04/14/2009

In Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s recent interview on Minnesota Public Radio , the governor spoke about not funding the new Bell Museum the University of Minnesota is requesting to build. He said the state of Minnesota has little funding as it is and needs to set out priorities. He clearly answered a student’s question on the air and made me realize that he is right. Although it would be nice to have a renovated new museum, there is no dire need to and the state shouldn’t have to pay for it.

If the University has funding for a new Science Classroom building and a new stadium, why can’t they foot the bill for this? It is because the Bell Museum would never generate nearly as much revenue as TCF Bank Stadium. This just shows you the profit-driven agenda of University President Bob Bruininks.

John Greiling

University student

4 Comments

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The first half of this letter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/14/2009 - 11:28pm.

The first half of this letter makes complete sense, but the second part doesn't. The new Bell is not a priority because it's not a priority. If the Governor doesn't think we need it, then why are you blaming Bruinkinks for (apparently) thinking the same thing?

Because Bruinicks requested

Submitted by Alumni (not verified) on Wed, 04/15/2009 - 11:31am.

Because Bruinicks requested money for it so he must, logically, think that it is important. I'm guessing you're a first-year?

Huh?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/15/2009 - 6:52pm.

It's amazing to me how some people will juxtapose anything in a screwy manner to attack Bob Bruinicks. Pawlenty vetoed funding for this last year and is opposed to it this year -- yet this person blames Bruinicks for it? You might go back and read past Daily stories about the Bell Musuem. Bruinicks has raised $10 million for the Bell Museum from private donors and was just in this morning's Daily talking about what an asset it is to the state. And, to suggest that the Bell Museum should have higher priority over the Science Classroom Building is just dumb. I suppose if Bruinicks were to do that, this same person would be attacking him for hating students.