Leach story

Nathaniel Nehrbass
October. 23rd, 2006
Reporting

Last night the Oshkosh City Council voted on whether or not to impose a $1 dollar surcharge on each ticket sold to the Leach Amphitheater.

The ordinance was proposed in order to balance out the debt that the Leach Amphitheater has collected over the time it has been open. The extra money would also be used to counteract budget cuts that could possibly arise in the future.

The ordinance, which would go into effect in 2007, would place a $1 dollar charge on all tickets that cost $5 dollars or more.

This is not the first time this proposal has been brought up to the members of the Oshkosh Common Council. The proposal first saw the light of day two years ago when the Leach Amphitheater had its grand opening.

Reactions to the ordinance were mixed between members of the Oshkosh Common Council. Paul Esslinger, a sponsoring member of the ordinance, looks at it as a “no-brainer” way of generating income for the city of Oshkosh. He thinks the proposal is a good way to make visiting tourists help pay for the services that the city of Oshkosh provides.

Oshkosh Mayor William Castle has a different point-of-view. In an interview from the Oshkosh Northwestern Castle stated that he did not think the proposal needed immediate attention. Castle would also say that, “It’s one area I’m not really excited about looking at.” Despite his feelings toward the issue, Castle was also quick to note that he didn’t think the subject should never be touched on again.

Last night the Council voted ……… Information I will find out tomorrow………..