Gov. Greitens, say yes this time to UMKC’s downtown arts campus

One of the most anticipated developments for Kansas City’s burgeoning downtown — a new conservatory for music and dance — is getting a much-needed second chance.

Legislation has been reintroduced for the state to pay about half of the $96 million necessary to construct the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s downtown arts campus. This is a reset, a nod to the overwhelming support for the plan, both in Jefferson City and within Kansas City’s philanthropic community.

It’s also a reality check on Gov. Eric Greitens.

Last year, Greitens vetoed legislation that would have fulfilled the state’s financial commitment to help build the conservatory of music and dance.

The project was to be near the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which would give students access to the world-class performance halls and the artists who perform there.

But Greitens, who has never appeared to have much regard for the value of the arts as an economic engine or as a valuable college degree, declined to allow public bonds to be issued for the project. The $48 million from the state was to match financial commitments made by Kansas City donors.

The governor’s obstruction launched a downward spiral for the project. A major funder, the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation, rescinded its pledge of $20 million because the grant was contingent upon both the private fundraising and the state’s contribution.

The measure had enjoyed wide bipartisan support. It should have been an easy “yes” for the governor, as the campus would be a gleaming gem for the University of Missouri system.

But Greitens wouldn’t budge. And he spoke dismissively of the project.

Early this month, Kansas City Rep. Noel J. Shull, decided to try again. The Republican from Clay County introduced legislation that would provide up to $50 million for the project through bonds. Supporters had been trying to reconfigure the project without state money, but Shull’s bill offers a glimmer of hope that the original concept could be revived.

It’s also a second chance for Greitens to do the right thing. And he’s a man who knows the value of second chances.

Greitens is facing a felony charge amid allegations that he took a nude photo of a woman while she was handcuffed and bound, with the intention of blackmailing her if she ever revealed their affair. The governor was indicted by a St. Louis grand jury.

A House committee began meeting this week to investigate the affair, a process that could eventually lead to impeachment proceedings.

So, it’s possible that Greitens might not be around to veto the UMKC campus a second time. And legislators are aware that in his absence, they might be able to push through this beneficial project.

It’s regrettable that such a deserving proposal has a new chance for success largely because our governor’s political future hangs in the balance.

But it would be a terrible waste to leave UMKC’s downtown arts campus on the drawing board.

This story was originally published March 9, 2018 at 4:46 PM with the headline "Gov. Greitens, say yes this time to UMKC’s downtown arts campus."