A recent Pendleton Development Commission meeting included an update on the progress of the renovation of the Rivoli Theater. Andrew Picken,  TITLE HERE, made a formal request for an additional $100,000 donation for the project. Mayo McKennon McDonald the following day reported the city had committed $160,000 toward the project, which began in 2011 with an estimated completion date of 2020.

During the city council meeting that followed, Pat Beard, manager of the Pendleton Convention Center and recently appointed the additional responsibility of managing the Vert Auditorium, presented his capital improvement plans for the convention center and the Vert. He will basically be competing with Picken for availability funding that will only get scarcer considering the political atmosphere developing in Washington, D.C.

Under Pat’s direction the Vert Auditorium is now experiencing quite a renaissance, barely scratching its potential. Unfortunately, years of neglect have left the facility in dire need of major upgrades, and he needs your help if the facility is to reach its full potential. Remember, this facility belongs to you.

Tired of your taxes supporting wealthy individuals for their pet projects? It’s time to let your Pendleton City Council representatives know their focus should be on maintaining of our public property first.

Rick Rohde

Pendleton

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