Flor. Flk Festivl '02: Axed by K Harris?

Subject: Florida Folk Festival '02: Axed by K Harris?
From: harpgirl
Date: 07 Dec 01 - 10:46 PM

...Rumor on the Friends of Florida Folk list is that Katherine Harris, Secretary of State, has recommended that the 50th annual Florida Folk Festival 2002, a showcase for Florida performers and a tourist draw, be cut from the budget and the festival axed totally in the one billion dollar budget cut in Florida yesterday.

I don't have confirmation but State Dept employees are not allowed to discuss the budget at this point. Thanks, Katherine! hg

Subject: RE: Flor. Flk Festivl '02: Axed by K Harris?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Dec 01 - 11:14 PM

Only in America!

Subject: RE: Flor. Flk Festivl '02: Axed by K Harris?
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 12:22 AM

For a state that relies heavily on the tourist industry, that would be a disastrous move. Hope those rumors are untrue. Could it be partially politically motivated, Harpgirl? You know, those leftie folkies...

Subject: RE: Flor. Flk Festivl '02: Axed by K Harris?
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 12:23 AM

I mean Harris's move politically motivated, not the rumors.

Subject: RE: Flor. Flk Festivl '02: Axed by K Harris?
From: GUEST,Illuminata
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 11:01 AM

I doubt that it is politically motivated against leftist folkies. Since the Republicans got busy giving away the store in the wake of the budget surpluses the last couple of years, we are now beginning to see the direct effect of the politically (and very cynically) motivated tax rebates. Loss of jobs and services Republicans don't give a shit about.

As always, they begin by cutting arts and education funding. Next comes the new propaganda war against the poor.

Subject: RE: Flor. Flk Festivl '02: Axed by K Harris?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 11:25 AM

Sorry to hear that Harpgirl. I think I agree that it's probably NOT politically motivated (amazingly enough). It's simply easier to cut something like a folk festival than something else that might get them more flack in return. Now if Shambles moved to Florida, Ms. Harris would be in trouble!

Rick

Subject: RE: Flor. Flk Festivl '02: Axed by K Harris?
From: harpgirl
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 01:27 PM

The Tampa paper has reported that the Festival lost two staff positions, including Ken Crawford's, the director and 39k. It appears as though the whole thing is dead. It may be resurrected by DEP or some other way. Watch this thread. I wonder if Paul G knows any more?