New Poll Suggests Support for DIA Millage on Aug. 7

An EPIC MRA poll released today shows that a large majority of voters approve of the tri-county millage to support the Detroit Institute of Arts, Channel 7 is reporting.

If approved, the proposal would levy .2 mills on Oakland County taxpayers for 10 years. At 0.2 mills, a taxpayer owning a home with a taxable value of $100,000 would be expected to pay approximately $20 a year. This tax would begin with December 2012 property tax bills and end in 2021.

The survey interviewed 237 people in the tri-county area between July 24–31, and has a plus or minus margin of error of 6.4 percent.

The majority of support is strong in each county, with Oakland County leading the way at 75 percent, the station reported.

The millage is expected to generate $4.9 million in its first year. In exchange for supporting the millage, residents and school groups from Oakland County would be allowed to visit the DIA anytime without a general admission fee.

Readers Respond

In an opinion piece submitted to Bloomfield Patch last week, Dr. Isaac Barr of , explained his , and many of the readers that left comments agreed.

"I am completely opposed to a millage increase for ANY city that is not Detroit, to support the DIA, which clearly doesn't need it. VOTE NO!," wrote Randy Jasky.

"Why should we pay for a bloated, mismanaged organization where the director makes a 1/2 million dollars?" asked Sharon Henderson. If people want to support the arts, then do it. But don't expect the 99% of people who rarely go there to do it. The truth hurts."

Others responded in concert with values expressed in the recent poll.

"Study after study shows the value of the arts and its presence and effect on our youth. Framing it as a choice between funding police and funding the museum is a false argument," said Mike White.

And some just showed their blunt frustration with the opposition.

"Such negative responses, but not surprising," wrote one reader that identified themselves as Beverly Hills Royal Oak Sub. "With these attitudes let's just call it quits and move on out of here!"

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