Mayoral candidate Lynn Wheat likens zoo construction costs as an Elk Grove taxpayer credit card debt with no expiration date
There is widespread skepticism among elected officials and high-level public executives who spoke to Elk Grove News about the Sacramento Zoological Society's ability to raise its share of the $300 million.
During the October 9, 2024, Elk Grove City Council meeting, a mayoral candidate warned taxpayers about the construction costs of the Sacramento Zoo's proposed relocation to Elk Grove.
Lynn Wheat, one of two candidates challenging incumbent Bobbie Singh-Allen. has used public comment on non-agenda items to convey campaign messages. During this meeting, Wheat used several props to explain the costs to taxpayers of the $300 million zoo project.
Among the props Ms. Wheat used were enlarged checks to represent money drawn from the city's various funding sources. Also, Wheat mocked up a credit card in the name of Elk Grove taxpayers with no expiration date, suggesting perpetual and unlimited financial obligations hung on taxpayers for zoo operations.
See Wheat's presentation in the video.
Even though Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen has approved the project conceptually, it faces menacing headwinds. There is widespread skepticism among elected officials and high-level public executives who spoke to Elk Grove News about the Sacramento Zoological Society's ability to raise its share of the $300 million.
The SZS has committed to raising $50 million toward the construction of the first $300 million phase. These same elected officials and public executives have independently told Elk Grove News they fear if the SZS fails to raise the $50 million, Singh-Allen will oblige Elk Grove taxpayers to make up for the shortage.
As if to confirm the fears of elected officials, public executives, and Wheat's assertion, the SZS fundraising efforts have been lackluster. A recent attempt, more akin to a high school band fundraising event, had a portion of sales from three Wendy's restaurants over two four-hour periods donated to the zoo construction fund.
Further exasperating the SZS's fundraising effort was the sudden and unexpected departure of their executive director. It is unknown if Jason Jacobs voluntarily or was forced out as executive director, but by any measure, the separation indicates significant problems at the SZS.
Undoubtedly, Mayor Singh-Allen will continue to spin an upbeat tale about the zoo's prospects. Perhaps Ms. Wheat is on to what lies ahead for Elk Grove taxpayers, who will be compelled to run up the expiration date-free credit card to pay for the SZS's fundraising shortcoming.
