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For Lincoln, research park has edge over fair

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By MELISSA LEE / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Mar 28, 2008 - 12:00:35 am CDT

Make no mistake, the city of Lincoln is hardly ready to give up its fight to keep the State Fair.

But political, business and academic leaders are beginning to concede that if forced to choose between a Lincoln-based fair and a University of Nebraska-Lincoln research campus, they’d give the edge to the research park.

“I don’t think anyone could disagree that in a purely economic sense, the research and development park will have a far greater impact on the community,” Mayor Chris Beutler said Thursday. “That being said, I still believe that there’s plenty of room for the fair and the research park in Lincoln.

Story Photo
An artist's rendering of the proposed research park (RDK Planning & Design)
Where do they come from?

A November 2007 consultant’s report showed most attendees of last year’s Nebraska State Fair lived within 30 miles of Lincoln. The complete breakdown:
  • 0-30 miles from Lincoln: 155,591 attendees; 52 percent of total
  • 30-60 miles from Lincoln: 76,503 attendees; 26 percent of total
  • 60-90 miles from Lincoln (in-state): 19,593 attendees; 7 percent of total
  • Rest of Nebraska: 32,529 attendees; 11 percent of total
  • Out-of-state: 14,959 attendees; 5 percent of total
Source: HOK Smith Forkner, fairgrounds consultants

“I hope we don’t have to make that choice.”

The promise of an estimated $1 billion economic boon from a research park over a decade — in the form of high-paying jobs, research projects and technological developments — outweighs the fair’s financial impact, Beutler and others believe.

One 2003 study put the fair’s annual impact at $28 million. It’s unclear how much Lincoln might lose should the fair leave, Beutler said.

But high hopes for a technology park to capitalize on and accelerate UNL’s thriving research programs have made the project a priority for some — even if it means they have to let the fair slip away.

“It’s kind of like picking between two pet projects,” said Tonn Ostergard, a member of 2015 Vision, a coalition of local business leaders that supports moving the fair to the Lancaster Event Center at 84th Street and Havelock to make way for a research park.

“But at the end of the day, if forced to pick, I think in the long term, Innovation Park holds the most value in terms of economic development, jobs, et cetera.”

Fonner Park in Grand Island has emerged as a leading candidate to host the state fair, with even Gov. Dave Heineman reportedly saying the fair appears headed west.

That’s not a choice supported by 2015 Vision members, who in December told lawmakers the group would chip in $6 million toward building a new fair at 84th and Havelock.

If the fair moves to Grand Island — or even if it stays near Lincoln but goes somewhere besides 84th and Havelock — 2015 Vision won’t be lending a financial hand, Ostergard said.

The group “supports Lincoln-based investment, so, no, 2015 would not in any way subsidize a move of the fair from Lincoln to Grand Island or any other location outside the city,” Ostergard said. “The mission of 2015 is all about Lincoln and Lincoln projects and Lincoln economic development.”

If the fair does move west to make way for the university’s research mission, he said, 2015 Vision members can at least take pleasure in one victory.

“We clearly feel Innovation Park is the priority. Its economic value exceeds what the State Fair can produce.”

The research park is a top project, as well, for UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Prem Paul, vice chancellor of research and economic development at UNL.

Indeed, Perlman said Tuesday: “I don’t have any opinion on where the fair should be.”

Members of the State Fair Board say a move anywhere would be too costly for taxpayers and they can afford to slowly fix up the fair at its current location.

Moreover, they’ve said the university should make do with its current technology park in northwest Lincoln.

Fair board member Tam Allan couldn’t be reached for comment Thursday.

The Legislature’s Agriculture Committee hopes to send a recommendation on the fair’s future to the floor for debate before the session ends April 17.

Until the committee makes a decision, Beutler wants to keep Lincoln a viable option.

He’s pitched a $110 million plan to keep the fair here that includes $10 million from the city, $30 million from UNL and a $40 million bond issue guaranteed by the NU Foundation. The plan has been coolly received by city and university officials.

But the state is best served by a fair in Lincoln, Beutler said, citing a November consultant’s report that said an ideal fair should be within 30 miles of a population of 300,000.

“We’re certainly going to keep fighting hard in the short term,” he said.

Grand Island, meanwhile, is sharpening its pitch to lawmakers.

City officials are crunching numbers to try to reduce the estimated $45 million cost of moving the fair west, said Cindy Johnson, president of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce.

She hopes to have new figures to the Agriculture Committee today.

Recent momentum for Grand Island has Johnson and her colleagues cautiously optimistic lawmakers will rule in their favor.

“We’ve said from the beginning Grand Island has an excellent site,” she said. “That’s where we’re putting our focus.”

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.


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Dan Reisdorff wrote on March 28, 2008 1:46 am:
" We need some NEW Leaders!! Many have taken their turn embarassing themselves recently on this issue. Let's start at the top. Governor Heineman's "bustling with enthusiasm" and "heading west" comments are different than only a few weeks ago. Obviously he thinks that all his enthusiasm will overshadow what's really coming out of his mouth - both sides!. The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners, as part of "Friends of Innovation Park" don't even remember sending a letter to Senator Erdman supporting the "Park." Lincoln City Mayor Chris Buetler --- Well, what can I say --take your pick! And the University leadership did a wonderful job of embarassing themselves at the February 26, 2008 Agriculture Committee Hearing, when not being able, and/or refusing to answer committee chairman Senator Erdman's pointed questions about their plans and ideas about the research park. Then there is the 2015 Vision group. There "win - win" and "best interest" got old really fast, and created quite an oroma. And last, but not least, the Lincoln Journal Star constantly gave its readers the impression that they were in charge of the Agriculture committee, rather then Senator Erdman, with their slanted, biased, and incorrect information -- but I guess, that's just an opinion, right! What a waste of time and money on everyone's part. Enough said!

Dan Reisdorff "

 Ross wrote on March 28, 2008 2:05 am:
" As a non-Liberal, I have to wonder out loud about the funding issues about the operation and location for the State Fair. Aren't we doing this all wrong, approaching the State Fair as an institution that is primarily driven by public funding rather than private support? I think if the State Fair is to grow and become a long-term sustainable project, it has to be driven by the interests and money of non-public funding. Clearly, the 2015 group does not want to buy into it if it is not at their chosen location of 84th and Havelock, but they have their own agenda. We have to quit focusing on the whims of City and University interests and get to the point of solid private support for this event, which should be far more privately funded. If it moves west, so be it, but let's change the thinking to leverage the wealth of the agriculture industry to fund this project. "

 esad wrote on March 28, 2008 3:55 am:
" What a surprise - the University gets what it wants!! "

 Don't want it bad enough wrote on March 28, 2008 7:06 am:
" Why don't we see a proposal outlining a vision for the State Fair in its current location? Research park has my vote, they are at least showing some effort to express what they feel is best for the university and Lincoln. What do you have to offer State Fair Board? Nothing that I've seen. "

 Good wrote on March 28, 2008 7:06 am:
" Move the fair to 84th street, improve the facility, tear down the old facility and build the research park. Get going on this NOW. This town needs the money. "

 Yup wrote on March 28, 2008 7:28 am:
" This is all just talk. Projected figures. How much is it going to cost us, the taxpayers, to build this then to continue to fund this. The high paying jobs will go to a few, and the rest of us low to middle class will continue to pay for the thing and not reap anything. If this is going to help my economy, promise me my state income taxes will go down if this is built, sales tax revenue will go down, property taxes will go down, fees on licensing autos will go down, gas tax will go down, I'm not going to land a high paying job, or benefit from some fancy new restaurant or hotel. Tell me how it's going to help me. "

 Bentley wrote on March 28, 2008 7:35 am:
" There may have been false images created regarding where an innovation park should be located. If the state and Lincoln are to create a site, then potential use by Nebraska Wesleyan, Doane, Union, and Concordia Universities should be as viable as having access by private and corporate innovators. Because the University has a proximity to the coveted site, have other sites been adequately explored? Examination of innovation corridors around the nation show a variety of formats, success is not validated to be based on a side by side necessity. Lawmakers and citizens should not fall into the trappings of envious desire that could preclude or even exclude an innovation spirit that exists and can be nurtured so a broader population of academics and students can benefit from what will be an historic investment. "

 Keep it in Lincoln wrote on March 28, 2008 8:05 am:
" I have no problem with moving the fair location. But KEEP IT IN LINCOLN. Grand Island will screw up way too much for the fair. I'll never go again if it's moved way out there. "

 Clara wrote on March 28, 2008 8:05 am:
" I am surprised UNL has not designed the new physics building with an on site development center with features vied for in collaborative innovation. Integration of business and academic initiatives, especially nano technology, could really benefit from an existing campus type of organuc growth. It would be great to have the talent of the new professor Enders at rhw community college where skills to make high end equipment are taught. I guess we should ask “who will hold” the patent rights? Will the city and state also share / own a part of this strategic source for revenue? "

 mark wrote on March 28, 2008 8:20 am:
" This is such a crucial time and opportunity to change the economic outlook for Lincoln and Nebraska. Innovation Park will bring new residents, fresh perspectives, and wealth to our region. I am so grateful for the foresight and resolve of our business leaders to step out and bring this to fruition. "

 Chris wrote on March 28, 2008 8:23 am:
" Gads! Wouldn't this be a dynamic sight for a site at the enterance to the city...whether near the airport or at the edge of the city where Omahans could commute to Lincoln? "

 Research? wrote on March 28, 2008 9:11 am:
" I see a pond and tennis courts in the artist's drawing. What kind of "research" is going to take place there? It looks to me like we are relocating the fair to build a country club for UNL. I wonder if there will be an on-campus golf course and spa too. "

 Reynolds wrote on March 28, 2008 9:14 am:
" There may have been distorted images created regarding where an innovation park should be located and how an innovation park might reach beyond UNL. . If the state and Lincoln are to create a site, then potential use by Nebraska Wesleyan, Doane, Union, and Concordia Universities should be as viable as having access by private and corporate innovators. Because the University has a proximity to the coveted site, have other sites been adequately explored? Examination of innovation corridors around the nation show a variety of formats, success is not validated to be based on a side by side necessity. Lawmakers and citizens should not fall into the trappings of envious desire that could preclude or even exclude an innovation spirit that exists and can be nurtured so a broader population of academics and students can benefit from what will be an historic investment. Consider how this might have an even greater impact on the region if freed from a site bias.
"

 Brian wrote on March 28, 2008 9:16 am:
" A 21st century fairgrounds and a 21st century research park would be two great improvements to Lincoln's future and economy. Stop the brain drain, keep the smart ones in Nebraska. "

 Down with manure! wrote on March 28, 2008 9:30 am:
" Lets see, what would be better economically for Lincoln? A place where some science eduacated Nebraskans could actually work after college, or neglected land that is vacant for 50 weeks per year that houses a bunch of stupid rides, rigged games, livestock and the fresh aroma of manure. Get the manure out of town! "

 Anne wrote on March 28, 2008 9:45 am:
" What research has been done to locate Research Park in another part of town? Is the current state fair location the only viable spot?
"

 Lucy wrote on March 28, 2008 9:48 am:
" Almost a decade into the century, there is a need for 21st century collaborative innovation. Brain drain is not solely linked to UNL. Lincoln can develop her own innovation center that would enable and justify the east by pass. UNL has her own set of issues, the city can work with UNL but this might be a time to look at the city as a whole, not just a downtown whim. UNL has lots of property; just because the NU President did a similar project twenty years ago doesn’t make it the best solution for today’s competitive environment. "

 Scott wrote on March 28, 2008 9:55 am:
" What surprises me the most is that not once have I heard a company name brought into this discussion. What I mean is that not one leader has told us what company is interested in coming to Lincoln to be a part of the research park. Wouldn't you think that if they are touting "great jobs" and "job growth" they would also let us know who might be interested in coming to Lincoln to be a part of this One Billion Dollar blow to our economy just so that they can give us a better understanding of what we can expect? I'd really like to hear a company name that MIGHT be interested in coming here. maybe that's asking to much. "

 Good point wrote on March 28, 2008 9:57 am:
" Where are the "plans" to improve the current fair at the present location? Pro-fair people are constantly asking for "exact plans" for a research park, and a "down-to-the-penny" cost estimate. It works both ways...where is the Board's plan?

And for some that are saying we need new leaders...c'mon, Mayor Buetler just started. How "fair" is it to use a blanket statement like that? You lost all credibility with that one. "

 Dave wrote on March 28, 2008 10:01 am:
" Enough GI bashing. I lived in Lincoln long enough to know how bad traffic is near the fair grounds site (and even lived in Lincoln long enough to avoid it during state fair time). IMO Lincoln is a joke. (cf The Big E in Springfield, Mass) The GI site is worthy, has interest in people outstate, and just look how GI handles Husker Harvest Days--no more needs to be said "

 Scott wrote on March 28, 2008 10:03 am:
" "That’s not a choice supported by 2015 Vision members, who in December told lawmakers the group would chip in $6 million toward building a new fair at 84th and Havelock." "

 George wrote on March 28, 2008 10:19 am:
" Tam Allan needs to go. I don't know what your beef is with the the Lancaster AG so. and I don't care. They get things done, you don't. The research park is a better use of the site end of story. "

 state fair Squatters wrote on March 28, 2008 10:33 am:
" Close the Nebraska State fair and go to Iowa if you need to get a state fair fix every year.. Our state fair has been flop for years and without taxpayers/lottey funds it would have closed years ago........make our county fairs better/bigger with the lottery monies and put the state fair down and out of it's misery........ "

 Evidence, please wrote on March 28, 2008 10:47 am:
" I am neutral on where the fair goes and I think that UNL deserves support for its education mission, including undergraduate and graduate research. But I am not neutral about the WILD numbers being projected for the economic impact of the proposed technology park. All anyone has to do is look at the evidence, in the form of the numbers for the last 10 years. (These are available on pages 32 - 34 at the 2007 Quality Indicators for the U, available as a download from http://www.unl.edu/svcaa/reports/). These numbers show that, in spite of some pretty creative number presentation, the U is probably on a flat trajectory (or maybe a DOWNWARD trend?) in licensing, start up companies, and other commercialization measures. The reasons for this are complex, but none of them have to do with facilities (the current Technology Park has a problem with occupancy). How can anyone look at these numbers and still think that throwing tons of money at a new building will fix the problem and bring billions into Lincoln in the next 10 years? "

 TWhite wrote on March 28, 2008 10:59 am:
" This is just a no brainer. For years we have seen articles published about how the fair is in trouble, it is not making enough money, etc. Here we have an opportunity to really compete internationally in the development of new technologies and cutting edge research. And there is a debate? Huh? Did I miss something? It is like choosing between a decadent desert and a bag of dry dog food. "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 28, 2008 11:04 am:
" The event center is in a flood plain! Yeah, lets build brand new buildings just so they can be flooded and ruined. Not cheap to fix flood plain issues. Besides, Lincoln has be screwing up the fair for years, let someone else fix it. "

 Matt P. wrote on March 28, 2008 11:25 am:
" To Reynolds. Are you seriously considering Wesleyan, Doane, Union College, or Condordia could be as a affective at hosting the research park as UNL?? That is absurd. None of the school's you mentioned even have an large degree of research. In fact, if you would combine ALL of the universities in Nebraska (including Creighton) they would still have much less research than that at UNL. Many of you people seem to have a very small understanding of what academic research involves and how much goes into it and how much comes out of it.

I had an interesting conversation with a person (my father-in-law) last night who is heavily involved in the development of a research park at SDSU. Their research park is a 100+ million project!! Okay, people...SDSU has a significantly smaller research reputation than that which UNL has and the university is in Brookings, S.D., which is probably smaller than Grand Island. Nevertheless, they recognize the importance of this research park and the potential economic impact it will have on the area.

You people act as though the idea of a research park is a new idea! This is something that has been successful throughout the U.S.!! As for the occupancy problems at "technology park", well, that's because its an "incubator." Its purpose is not to bring in collaborative efforts from outside companies. Its sole purpose is to help small startup companies develop. Furthermore, when suitors can easily go to other much more substantial research parks, why would they go to a very undersized and underequipped technology park. That's just one of the reasons we need the Research Park!!!

"

 Marge wrote on March 28, 2008 11:57 am:
" It is absurd to discount or imply the private colleges don’t have an interest or ability to offer substance to a state innovation center. We shouldn’t ignore the “incubator” model that has empty space at the technology park, why isn’t a bit of “innovation” just as important there? Yes there are many many McInnovation parks around the nation and world. That also means they have better footing, better funding and better established relationships with corporations. We’ve seen that a national football program can be quickly eroded, take a look at how UNL is operating and result might show high risk, low confidence. Doane and Wesleyan have fine programs and “state brain drain” occurs when their graduates seek employment outside the state. (The Unicameral did require the State Fair to develop a Master Plan, it is available on line.) "

 Alex wrote on March 28, 2008 12:22 pm:
" Good for SDSU! Lincoln's citizens don't oppose a research park, they rightfully question viable alternative locations that haven't been addressed by the city and UNL. Why wasn't the site an issue when the technology park was built? Hasn't that resulted in Verizon locating "outside" the UNL campus? There might be too much emphasis on city center when the city as a whole can absorb and benefit from alternate research and innovation parks...maybe one at each corner of the city? It makes little sense to not develop a city with integration of many or the attributes this solo plan has. The city. could be known for its brand as a city if ideas and innovation...not just a campus or university who is already divided across the city. "

 rac wrote on March 28, 2008 12:29 pm:
" The State Board has not made any proposals to "gradually" fix up the State Fair because they have none. They just want to hold on to the little power they have and do NOTHING. What a laugh. Why haven't they been "gradually" fixing up the Fair with the Lottery money they've been given? What have they been doing to improve the Fair the last 20 years. Oh, booking Jefferson Airplane and Pat Benatare for the beer garden.

Please you all should resign and let some proactive LEADERS take over. "

 Matt wrote on March 28, 2008 12:43 pm:
" The point is that NONE of the private institutions have the already existing facilities, that cost millions and millions of dollars, to form any sort of synergy with the research park! Building a research park next to Doane is about as effective as building it next to Gateway mall!! The small schools don't have the research facilities that UNL has...its pretty simple!! Private schools DO NOT do any significant amount of research. The very few times a Nebraska liberal arts professor from Doane or Concordia does want to do some research, where do you think they go?? They go to UNL. Furthermore, those private schools are just that...private!!

I didn't suggest we should ignore "incubation." Of course that should be a major thrust of the operation, however it should not be the ONLY thrust. I simply stated why the occupancy of "technology park" had very little to do with the potential success of the research park, which a previous poster suggested. The incubator at "technology park" does not entice well established companies from the private sector.

No, there is hardly research park saturation going on. That idea is pretty silly too. Research parks aren't being built to only have them sit empty. And much less established schools are currently trying to develop their only parks...like South Dakota State. By building more substantial facilities and a template for private cooperation, the University will attract many many more dollars.

Again, I don't understand why football enters this discussion!! Its a horrible horrible analogy. Sports teams can turn around in 1 year...something like this takes decades!

I am now convinced that the opponents of the park have little to no idea what a research park will actually entail! The idea that Doane is an as effective option is phenomenally naive...to the point of laughable.

As far as companies go, UNL already has research ties to HUNDREDS of companies. By building the research park these relationships will only grow and will provide researchers more leverage when working with companies when companies are deciding which university research team to work with. To be able to tell an HP or an Intel (yes, both these companies have worked with UNL researchers) that "hey we have this $300 million dollar research park here waiting for you to take advantage of" is a big big deal.

Its about competitive advantage!!
"

 jtf wrote on March 28, 2008 1:01 pm:
" this will be great for lincoln, besides G.I. is only an hour away. the people of G.I. and the large number of small towns around the area will more than make up for all the upset people in lincoln that wont go b/c its no longer convenient. The tri-cities will support the state fair the way lincoln used to 25yrs ago. I Live in lincoln and I will be making the SHORT drive to G.I. for the fair "

 Concerned taxpayer wrote on March 28, 2008 1:16 pm:
" As a Grand Island resident, I would strongly be in favor of keeping the State Fair at its present location, with the economy in a downturn, now is not the time to be throwing money around playing a "what if" guessing game. The idea of moving the State Fair is simply too costly with little benefits to anyone. Our G.I. leaders will do their best to low ball estimates for moving the fair, only to find out that reality is real and dreams are wishful thinking. "

 October 17 wrote on March 28, 2008 1:33 pm:
" To Research? et al: Actually, some college campuses DO have golf courses and spas, too. In fact, the spas are in the stadium, reserved (how elitist) for the athletes, including football players. What to do about that? Certainly, you aren’t suggesting the Big Red go without whirlpools and masseurs, are you?

Point is, yes, UNL is getting its way and you should all be thankful. Lincoln is a company town and for decades has pumped revenue into the city. The University provides high paying jobs and entry-level work, homebuyers and renters, consumers and taxpayers. Then there are the millions of dollars generated by football games and sporting events including state tournaments that the university is kind enough to host.

I love the ponds and tennis courts and bike trails – whatever makes Innovation Park and Lincoln beautiful. After all, the best and brightest minds won’t just come to Lincoln for the populist prairie politics and cranky, short-sighted fiscal conservatives. As hot as these things are, they might also like a flower bed and – gasp – trees to sit under while they dream up new tax codes and liberal manifestos.
"

 Konrad wrote on March 28, 2008 1:41 pm:
" Cost of $100 million just to relocate the State Fair creates a negative $100 million that could be invested in an “innovation/technology” development at a different site...or sites if smaller developments were initiated at other campuses across the state. The all or none talk is misguiding and may instill a self destructive economic mentality if the city and UNL do not look at other financially sensible options. Lost economic opportunity may be realized if stubborn attitudes prevail and UNL doesn't consider what loss could affect the city and state. "

 Whoa there wrote on March 28, 2008 1:56 pm:
" Lincoln has to still have horse races!! Please! There's already a lack of fun things to do around here. The races are a blast for all ages. "

 Wondering wrote on March 28, 2008 2:24 pm:
" Since the university wants to build a research park, why not build it close to the city campus. The university owns the property where the Cushman Industry was located on Vine Street and the Whitter Building also located on Vine Street. Why not purchase some of the other properties around that area and develop the area north of Vine Street between 19th and 27th and between Vine Street and Holdredge Street. Purchasing this property would probably not cost as much as moving the State Fair and tearing down all of the current buildings located on the fair grounds. Being close to UNL would allow students the possibly to obtain jobs at the Research Park. Both parties could be happy. The State Fair would stay in Lincoln and the University could have their Research Park. "

 Gladys wrote on March 28, 2008 3:51 pm:
" Horse races have a global appael; some of the most desired horses are owned by the allies in the Sunni Arab states. It wouldn’t hurt to take a closer look at how to develop the potential that lays in a dormant condition at State Fair Park. How unfortunate UNL has over the years let down 4-H and the development of the eastern third of the state’s human resources. The conflict of interest that shed the fair board of the Chancellor was a sign of conflict, not collaboration and building relations between agriculture interests and the state. There are under the surface problems that need to be resolved before a major investment, while lagging behind national trends, can be justified. "

 Jake wrote on March 28, 2008 4:38 pm:
" This is something that will divide this city for a long time to come. UNL and vision 2015 have not thought about anything but what they personally want. I don't think anyone can be against a research park, I am not. However I am against bending over and giving UNL everything they ever want. Granted they are the cities largest employer, but high paying jobs, not a bunch of them, ask those that work there. It is just time that all insitutions are held accountable for all they do and want. UNL has been a constant waste of land and money for as long as I can remember, Field Lab at Mead, Cushman, tech Park in the highlands, come on people UNL has plenty of space or could find a alternate location if they would just stop and think about it. Moving the fair is just adding more cost to a expensive project. Think what could be done with the money to move the fair if built in a different location. 30 + millon could build a nice building. "

 Correction wrote on March 28, 2008 7:35 pm:
" UNL isn't Lincoln's largest employer.

1 - LPS
2 - State of Nebraska
3 - UNL
4 - Bryan/LGH
5 - St. E's

Second, you're right, Jake, that the 2015 group IS concerned with what will help them personally. BUT, look at the list of who is the 2015 group...it covers practically every employer in town! I sure hope they're concerned with themselves personally because it means they're concerned with all of Lincoln. It's not a group of good 'ol boys, it's a group of Lincoln employers! If Lincoln succeeds they succeed. And their view is State Fair Park would be better used in another way. (And I have nothing to do with them. I'm just a Lincolnite in love with Lincoln and am glad someone is trying something "different.") "

 Tammie Fischer wrote on March 29, 2008 2:18 am:
" It's time for the state fair to be moved. We don't want those people coming to our campus every year and weakening the gene pool. It's time for the state fair to go, so the rest of use can feel safe. "

 airedale wrote on April 7, 2008 11:50 pm:
" This 'controversy' is probably the oddest that I have seen go on in politics in quite some time.

I don't really care about the State Fair inasmuch as I have not gone to it for years. On the other hand it sounds as though the research park isn't really going to 'benefit' most people living in Lincoln at the present time. The Research Park appears to be a bait to lure outside people into Lincoln who will take jobs that require advanced degrees that are simply to expensive for a lot of people here in Nebraska to acquire in the present economy.
In short Lincolnites it looks to me like most of you will be replaced - or at least you will be replaced on the economic ladder by people moving into the area. (The 'keep the graduates in Nebraska' theme is a bunch of baloney. Most of the people working at this Reserach facility will have gotten their degrees from places like Harvard or Berkeley). The good paying blue collar jobs that companies like Goodyear or Cushman provided are going (or gone) and the 2015 people don't seem interested in bringing them back or interested in helping out the people put on the unemployment line or on significantly reduced incomes because of reduction in wages at crappy new jobs.
Lincoln will never be Omaha no matter how hard it tries to be. What Lincoln USED to be was the leader of 'greater Nebraska'. Lincoln, the University and State Governement have grown increasingly detached from the rest of the State over the past decade or so. The assumption is that Lincoln is now bustling hip urban center and this Research Park will become the Silicone Valley of the prairie.
The fact of the matter is that Lincoln has simply become UNLs junior partner. Unfortunately there won't be many job alternatives for folks in Lincoln who don't have Masters or Doctorate degrees. A bachelors degree isn't worth as much as a roll of toilet paper these days and people with less education than that will have to seek jobs outside Lincoln. The false assumption the 'brain drain' alarmists run on is that the people with the most degrees are the best and brightest.
That just isn't so. "

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