But you can bet the courthouse won't face a straight up or down vote. If it did, it most likely would lose. Remember, this is the community that at one time turned down a bond issue to pay for air-conditioning in the schools. Instead, the courthouse likely would be packaged with other projects the mayor is considering, such as a new arena, a new downtown library and a new baseball stadium. The theory is that a multi-faceted ballot question that appeals to several constituencies instead of one would have a better chance of success.
Judges claim the current courthouse is overcrowded.
After all, courtrooms often sit empty. Proponents say that building a new courthouse would allow the city to sell the current riverfront site and put the property back on the tax rolls. The current jail, built not too long ago at huge taxpayer expense, would no longer be convenient. And, speaking of convenience, wouldn't it be convenient if the current jail went away instead of serving as a backdrop for the high-rise apartments and townhomes now being built on the river. Gee, maybe the Police Memorial Building could go away as well.