INC NEWS - Editorial: Integrity, center stage (Duke's $2 million deal questioned by N&O)

[John Schelp]

"What the two parties shouldn't do is proceed to cut
this dubious deal -- self-serving to both sides -- on
the basis of a bunch of winks. So much winking is hard
on the eyes and worse, would corrode residents' trust
in government."

Editorial: Integrity, center stage
News & Observer, 30 October 2006

Duke University already has pledged $5.5 million
toward a downtown Durham performing arts center, but
there are reasons to give $2 million more. The city
needs the added money if the $32 million center is to
become a reality. And Duke would benefit if a fine
stage for its signature American Dance Festival were
built.

Such a venue would make Durham more attractive, a
selling point when Duke shows off the campus to
prospective students and donors. Additional funding
could improve Duke-Durham relations, which have been
harmed, perhaps unfairly, by allegations that three
Duke lacrosse players raped an exotic dancer at a
booze-fueled team party in town.

Durham turned to Duke for additional theater money,
and was told that $2 million was available, for any
purpose the city wanted. But the university proposed
giving $500,000 if the city signed a promise to give
"timely" consideration to improving a road that leads
to campus. The other $1.5 million would be "donated"
if the city gave final approval to the road plan.

We'll excuse Durham residents who think that sounds
less like altruism than an attempt to buy favorable
votes. State law bans cities from giving regulatory
approval in return for money.

Duke, of course, isn't obliged to help the city, so it
would be a nice gesture if it did so. The city, for
its part, owes Duke an honest evaluation of the road
plan. What the two parties shouldn't do is proceed to
cut this dubious deal -- self-serving to both sides --
on the basis of a bunch of winks. So much winking is
hard on the eyes and worse, would corrode residents'
trust in government.