COSTA MESA : $20,000 for Concert at Airport Rejected
The City Council, or what was left of it at 2 a.m. Tuesday, voted down a proposal to pay $20,000 for a performance by the Pacific Symphony at a black-tie, VIP reception for the John Wayne Airport dedication.
Citing budget constraints and the event’s exclusivity, Councilwoman Sandra L. Genis presented what she called “the Marie Antoinette Memorial Let ‘em Eat Cake Award” and handed out spongecake snacks to council members.
The proposal was introduced by Councilman Orville Amburgey, who walked out of the meeting during Genis’ presentation. The council then voted, 3-0, against the request. Councilman Ed Glasgow had left the meeting earlier.
The grand opening of the expanded airport will be Sept. 7 and 8, including receptions, tours, performances, ceremonies and special events. If the council had agreed to sponsor the symphony’s performance, it would have received 100 free tickets to the event.
Genis also reminded council members that in reviewing the city’s 1990-91 budget, the council had decided that the city could not afford to hire two more police officers to catch drunk drivers.
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