We promise not to do this too often. But we want to go on the record as agreeing somewhat with a recent Aegis editorial that questions the need for a new $3 million arts center in Bel Air. To quote The Aegis, "... such a fund-raising effort might well be more appropriately directed at establishing a cultural arts endowment ... to help local organizations." Well, maybe.

First, let's take a look at this proposed building. The Aegis editorial pointed out that the county already has several performance venues, such as the William A. Humbert Amphitheater, Rockfield Park, and the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air; the gazebo at Aberdeen's Festival Park; Tydings Park in Havre de Grace; and the Chesapeake Theater/Gallery, and the new William H. Amoss Performing Arts Center, at Harford Community College. And don't forget the auditoriums in the local public schools; the National Guard armories; and even the long promenade in the Harford Mall. And then there is Ripken Stadium. We very conservatively estimate that there are at least 25,000 seats available in the county on any given night for community and cultural events.

But there is another aspect to all of this. As soon as the government extends the open hand of support, it also reaches out with the wagging hand of censorship. It is not always apparent, but it still exists. So, whether a Bel Air arts center building comes about, or it is decided to take that money and make endowments to individual artists and organizations, you have the same problem. Government is setting the agenda for art in the county. The favored has full government support and lots of event cash to spend, and the disfavored doesn't.

So, what would we do if we were the town governments? First, we would get out of the art business. Running arts festivals and musical entertainments makes you art and music critics. And art and music critics you are not. Then we would ask artists and art lovers to set up an independent (the operative word) citizen arts council, give them an annual budget (under-funded, of course), and charge them with running a rich cultural arts program consistent with local values at venues throughout the county. You might have to grit your teeth sometimes, but at least it wouldn't be government telling the people what art and music is best for them.

Then if one of the town councils wants a piece of art for the council chambers or to set in front of the town hall, let them contract for it and pay for it independently. Then they can make all the demands they want, set a tone, make a statement, do their thing - and defend their decision before the electorate come November. That's the American way, and that's the art in our democracy.

DM